A village in Punjab’s Mohali district has ignited controversy after its gram panchayat passed a resolution banning love marriages without family or community consent.
The decision by the gram panchayat of Manakpur Sharif, located just 10 kilometers from Chandigarh, has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and rights advocates.
The resolution, passed unanimously on July 31, prohibits couples who marry without the approval of their families from residing in the village or nearby areas. It also warns of punitive action against any villagers who support or shelter such couples.
“This is not a punishment but a preventive step to protect our traditions and values,” said Dalvir Singh, the village sarpanch.
He explained that the resolution followed a recent incident in which a 26-year-old man, Davinder, married his 24-year-old niece, Baby. The couple has since left the village, but the incident has an impact for 2,000 villagers that are living here.
“We are not against love marriage or law, but we are not allowing it here in our Panchayat,” Singh added.
According to the resolution, the entire community shares the responsibility of preventing such unions. The panchayat has also urged neighboring villages to adopt similar measures.
The move has sparked a backlash. Dharamvira Gandhi, Congress MP from Patiala, condemned the resolution, calling it a “Talibani diktat.”
“Freedom to choose one’s life partner is a fundamental right of every adult. The state must intervene and protect such couples from obscurantist attitudes,” he said.
While the resolution drew outrage from some quarters, local youth and villagers, speaking to India Today on the condition of anonymity, voiced support for the sarpanch.
“We are with our Sarpanch on this decision and he is only authorised to speak over it. But we feel we have a legacy and reputation that should be carried. World is modern but we need to save our relations, our culture and our villages,” said one villager.
Local authorities have so far taken a measured stance over the incident. Sonam Chaudhary, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural), Mohali, said no formal complaint has yet been filed.
“If the individuals are adults, they are legally free to marry whom they choose. Any future complaints will be addressed in accordance with the law,” she said.
Mohit Aggarwal, Superintendent of Police (Mohali), emphasised the rule of law. “This is not a banana republic. We will uphold the law and constitutional rights. As of now, no official complaint has been received. If it comes, we will act as per the law. No one has the right to take things into their own hands,” he told India Today.
After the resolution was passed, the couple at the center of the controversy released a video on social media confirming that they married of their own free will. They also criticised local residents for tarnishing their reputation.
Raj Lalli Gill, Chairperson of the Punjab State Women Commission, called the resolution unconstitutional. “It’s unconstitutional and decision by such Panchayat has no meaning. We will look into this. We haven’t received any complaint against it,” she said.
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