India: "Any adult woman or man can marry anyone of their choice, Khap Panchayats cannot question it", SC

Bar & Bench

by Murali Krishnan January 16, 2018

"Any adult woman or man can marry anyone of their choice, Khap Panchayats cannot question it", SC

The hearing in Supreme Court in a Public Interest Litigation concerning Khap Panchayats witnessed some interestimg remarks by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

The petition filed by NGO Shakti Vahini came up for hearing today before a Bench of Chief Justice Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud.

Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran, appearing for the petitioner, advanced submissions relying on the Amicus report.

Subsequently, a party-in-person representing the Khap Panchayats rose to speak, when Justice Misra went on to remark,

“Any adult woman or man can marry anyone of their choice. No Khap or society can question it.”

The Court then adjourned the matter for February 5 on the Central government’s request.