British Parliament raises Khap Panchayat's diktat of raping girls with Indian govt

India's image is taking a severe battering internationally due to the increased incidents of Khap Panchayat rulings, which invariably target women and those from less powerful segments of society.

Recently, a Khap Panchayat in Baghpar, UP, ordered the rape of two Dalit sisters as a punishment for their elder brother eloping with a married woman from an upper caste.

The British Parliament has taken cognizance of the matter and has called on their government to ensure the safety of these girls. These actions by rural Khap Panchayats, which primarily operate in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, have been criticised by various human rights group in the past.

Amnesty International, a non government organisation which has more than 7 million members around the world, is also running an online campaign against this diktat and is getting immense support.

At a juncture when India is trying to establish its image and educate the word about its traditions and culture, especially after the grand celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21, such cases are tarnishing the country's image, which is already thought to be unsafe for women.

What is the case?

23-year-old Meenakshi Kumari of Baghpat village in UP and her 15-year-old teenage sister were ordered to be raped and paraded naked in the village with their faces blackened by a Khap Panchayat.

The decision came after their elder brother eloped with a woman he loved. She was earlier forced to marry a man from an upper caste.

The Supreme Court had banned Khap Panchayats in 2011 for promoting honour killings. However, Khap Panchayats are self constructed village councils of upper caste Jats and are still functional at the grassroots.

Amnesty International started an online petition which has been signed by more than 1,70,000 people so far.

Meenakshi also filed a petition in the Supreme Court, demanding security for herself and her family. Her father has filed a complaint against the family of the girl (with whom his son eloped) and the police for torturing them.

According to a government statement, UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has also instructed the local administration to tighten security provided to the family.

However, Superintendent of Police from Baghpat said that no such order was passed by the Panchayat.