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Religion
Haryana Khaps call for invalidation of marriages lacking parental consent
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 30 Aug 2026, 05:02 AM
👁 4
Haryana's Khap organisations have urged that any marriage conducted without the parents' approval be declared invalid, citing traditional customs.
The Khap panchayats of Haryana have issued a statement asserting that marriages performed without the explicit consent of the bride and groom's parents should be deemed invalid. The groups argue that parental approval is a cornerstone of family honour and social stability in the region.
According to the Khap leaders, such marriages threaten traditional values and can lead to disputes within families. They contend that recognizing these unions would undermine the cultural fabric that has governed matrimonial practices for generations.
Legal experts, however, point out that Indian marriage law does not require parental consent for a marriage to be legally valid, provided the parties are of age and give free will. They caution that the Khap's demand could clash with constitutional rights and existing statutes.
The statement has ignited a broader debate among civil society, with some groups supporting the Khap's stance as a safeguard for community norms, while others warn against regressive practices that could infringe on individual freedoms.
According to the Khap leaders, such marriages threaten traditional values and can lead to disputes within families. They contend that recognizing these unions would undermine the cultural fabric that has governed matrimonial practices for generations.
Legal experts, however, point out that Indian marriage law does not require parental consent for a marriage to be legally valid, provided the parties are of age and give free will. They caution that the Khap's demand could clash with constitutional rights and existing statutes.
The statement has ignited a broader debate among civil society, with some groups supporting the Khap's stance as a safeguard for community norms, while others warn against regressive practices that could infringe on individual freedoms.