Gen Z vs the khap panchayats: Old rules, new rebels

Gen Z students in Haryana are challenging the traditional khap panchayats, which are powerful yet unelected community bodies dominated by elderly men. An M.A. student named Anchal posted a satirical video on social media, imagining a "Gen Z panchayat" where men would face restrictions on playing cards, smoking hookahs, and wasting time, while tobacco sellers would be fined. The fines collected would then be used to replace damaged or confiscated phones of girls.

The controversy erupted after a khap panchayat member, Virender Dhull, made a remark about young women using mobile phones and wearing unsuitable clothing during a meeting in Jind. Dhull, a director of physical education at Jat Senior Secondary School, suggested that the young women's phones should be smashed. This comment went viral and sparked criticism from social media users.

In response to the outrage, several khap panchayats across north Haryana have passed a series of resolutions, many of which target women. These resolutions include opposing marriages within the community, live-in and same-sex relationships, fighting drug abuse, online betting, and obscene social media content. Khap leaders argue that their goal is to preserve social cohesion and protect families, but the restrictions mainly affect young women.

Many young women and some men, such as rapper Rahul Fazilpuria and content creator Paras Yadav, have condemned the khap panchayats' actions on social media. The Naugama khap president, Jaivir Lohan, claims that the khap has not banned mobile phones for girls or prescribed specific attire for women. He suggests that parents should decide what is appropriate for their children and that the khap will only intervene if parents ask for help.

Despite the criticism, the khap panchayats continue to wield significant influence. On August 9, 24 khap panchayats met in Jind's Kandela village and passed a resolution disallowing marriages within the same gotra (clan) or cluster. They believe that these marriages lead to genetic disorders and weak offspring due to a common gene pool. If a woman and a man from the same gotra marry, they will not be allowed to enter the community's jurisdiction.

Additionally, the khap panchayats have banned live-in and same-sex relationships, as well as content they deem obscene. They also urge the government to regulate marriage by choice, or love marriages, which must take place with parental consent and within accepted social norms. Despite the backlash, the khap panchayats maintain their authority, emphasizing that they are community elders offering guidance to the youth and preserving social cohesion and family protection.