Our Correspondent / NEW DELHI
The Supreme Court today warned Khaps not to become self-appointed conscience keepers. The apex court also asked the Centre and petitioners to come up with effective suggestions in connection with the protection of the couples in Khap Panchayat matters.
The apex court said it was contemplating appointing a high-level police committee to devise ways and means to protect couples married inter-caste, inter-faith, or similarly opposed alliances and keep them safe from any violence directed by Khaps, panchayats, parents and relatives.
A three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, observed that even if two adults, who are within a prohibited degree of relation, get married, it was for the law to declare the marriage null and void. It said khaps or panchayats or parents can not resort to violence against the couple.
During the hearing, the court refused to take up Ankit Saxena murder case along with the Khap matter. Activist Madhu Kishwar had requested the court to also look at Ankit murder, but Court said this khap matter is a separate case and can’t be taken along with it.
The Court was hearing a plea by an NGO against honour killings.