Tradition / Love Marriage Banned in This Village! Experts Question Constitutional Right

Chandigarh, Sep 22: In a striking example of tradition clashing with modern values, villagers in Haryana’s Hisar district have collectively banned love marriages in Aryanagar village.

The decision, taken during a mass meeting, has sparked debate over individual rights versus social customs.

On Sunday, nearly 1,000 villagers gathered to discuss the issue. At the end of the meeting, residents resolved to prohibit love marriages within the community.

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According to locals, the move was prompted by three to four recent cases of love marriages that, they claim, disrupted the village’s social fabric.

Villagers argue that such marriages undermine family honour and social cohesion. They insist that if a young man or woman marries against their family’s wishes, the family should not be held responsible. However, the exact reasons behind the decision remain unclear.

Village head Ratan Lal declined to comment, while Sarpanch Ratan Singh, though present at the meeting, distanced himself from the controversial resolution. He clarified that the panchayat had no role in the decision, which was taken purely at a social level.

Legal experts, however, have strongly opposed the move. Senior Punjab and Haryana High Court lawyer Kamal Anand explained that under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, every citizen has the fundamental right to choose their life partner. He emphasized that such village‑level bans carry no legal validity.

“If anyone tries to enforce these rules, they can face criminal charges under the Indian Penal Code for intimidation or harassment,” Anand said.

The incident highlights the ongoing tension between traditional community norms and constitutional freedoms. While villagers claim they are safeguarding social order, critics argue that such restrictions infringe upon basic human rights and perpetuate regressive practices.