Answer: 

Introduction:

Khap Panchayats are traditional caste-based councils predominantly found in the northern Indian states, such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. These councils have often been criticized for functioning as extra-constitutional authorities and delivering pronouncements that amount to human rights violations, including but not limited to honor killings, gender discrimination, and the suppression of individual liberties.

Body:

India’s government combats Khap Panchayat issues through laws, enforcement, and judicial rulings.

Legislative:

• The Parliament has enacted laws that protect individual rights and prohibit honor killings, such as the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005), and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (1989).
• However, these laws have not been able to effectively curb the powers of Khap Panchayats, as their influence remains deeply rooted in local customs and traditions.

Executive:

• The executive branch of the government, comprising the police and the administration, has taken action in specific cases involving human rights violations by Khap Panchayats.
• For instance, police have arrested individuals involved in honor killings, and the administration has taken measures to ensure the security of the affected individuals or families.
• However, these efforts have often been reactive rather than proactive, and the enforcement of existing laws has been inadequate.

Judiciary:

• The Indian judiciary has played a more proactive role in dealing with the issue of Khap Panchayats. The Supreme Court of India, in various judgments, has condemned the functioning of these councils as parallel judicial systems and has directed the police and administration to take strict action against them.
• In the case of Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court ruled that any attempt by Khap Panchayats to interfere in the marriages of consenting adults is illegal, and laid down preventive, remedial, and punitive measures to deal with the issue of honor killings.
• The court has also taken suo motu cognizance in cases of human rights violations by Khap Panchayats and has ordered investigations and the provision of protection to the affected parties.

Conclusion:

Despite these efforts, the influence of Khap Panchayats persists, primarily due to the deep-rooted patriarchal mindset and the socio-political clout they hold in rural areas. To effectively address the issue, it is crucial to raise awareness about the unconstitutionality of their actions, empower local law enforcement, and promote social change that challenges regressive customs and traditions.

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