SC says Khap panchayats can't scuttle, block marriages: Top 10 developments

Sending a strong message to khap panchayats, the Supreme Court said no one could interfere with or disturb if two adults decided to marry each other

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled the interference by illegal assemblies, like 'khap' panchayats, in marriages of two consenting adults as "absolutely illegal" and laid down guidelines to prevent such intrusions. A Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said the norms laid down by the apex court would remain in force until a suitable legislation was enacted by Parliament. 

The apex court's judgment came on a plea by an NGO called Shakti Vahini. The plea urged the apex court to address the issue of bodies like Khap panchayats issuing diktats and