Khaps, Traditional Panchayats & Indian Constitution
We have read about several honour killings in recent months in the name of saving the honour of the family. The traditional panchayats of Jaats of Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are traditionally known as khaps and most of the honour killings have been reported from these regions and from this community. Traditional panchayats have existed in India since ancient times. They have been regulating the affairs of the community quite efficiently. The affairs included social aspects including arranging and /or participating in marriage; economic affairs including trade preferences, redistribution, gift exchanges etc., political affairs including resolution of conflicts and imposing fine on accused, as also religious affairs. After the 73rd amendment to Indian Constitution, these traditional panchayats have been made redundant as Constitutionally elected panchayats have taken over their economic as well as political functions and without these most of the tradional panchaya...