Haryana Government Initiates Amendment Process For Hindu Marriage Act Following Khap Panchayats' Appeals

In a move that reflects evolving societal dynamics, the state government of Haryana has taken a decisive step towards amending the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA), spurred by appeals from local khap panchayats. The demand to proscribe intra-gotra and intra-village marriages, as well as the formalization of live-in relationships, has prompted an earnest review of the existing legislation.

The Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, on behalf of the government, has forwarded this matter to the Principal Secretary of the Citizen Resources Information Department (CRID), initiating a consequential process. The catalyst for this revision lies in the representations submitted by Ramesh Dalal, President of the Bharat Bhoomi Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, and Dharam Pal Kandela, the head of Sarvjatia Kandela Khap. These representatives assert that alignments of the same gotra and same village within matrimonial unions deviate from established societal norms, warranting amendments to the HMA.

Kandela articulated, "The gravity of intra-gotra and intra-village unions extends beyond personal choices; it projects social implications, subjecting parents to a ceaseless ordeal of societal disapproval. Aligning matrimonial laws with social norms is imperative to uphold the tapestry of our communities and foster harmonious family lives."

Adding a unique dimension to the deliberation, Dalal's proposal extends to deem marriages between individuals from neighboring villages as void. Highlighting the proactive nature of the government's response, top officials have engaged with Dalal, paving the way for a comprehensive evaluation. The senior official entrusted with this task is poised to submit a comprehensive report to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, setting the stage for an imminent decision. "The government has indicated concurrence with my proposition for HMA amendments," Dalal confirmed.

The submission of the representation to the Haryana government on July 1, as reported by Hindustan Times, signals a pivotal juncture. Notably, the fervent demand for these changes has manifested through approximately 200 mahapanchayats orchestrated by the khap panchayats, underscoring the profound resonance of this issue within the local populace.