Braving the Pressure: Dalit Teacher Files FIR Against Khaap Panchayat for Ostracization and Penalty

Rajasthan— A government school educator in Dungarpur city of Rajasthan, has taken a resolute step and lodged a formal complaint with the police against the members of a Khaap Panchayat. The educator, Mamta Yadav, a third-grade teacher, has been enduring the retribution of the community due to her intercaste marriage to Bhartendu Amliya, a man from a Scheduled Tribe.

Speaking to The Mooknayak Mamta said, she and Bhartendu were childhood companions and their families gave their blessings to their union. As per the local custom, they sought the approval of the Khaap Panchayat prior to their nuptials. The Panchayat imposed a fees of 21 thousand rupees, which was paid by her father, and the wedding was held without any impediment in May 2022. However, the Khaap Panchayat recently initiated a series of issues by demanding an additional sum of 1 lakh rupees and threatening to impose a Hukka Pani Bandh diktat and expel the family from the neighborhood.

Mamta's father, who is a cardiac patient, was under intense pressure from the Khaap Panchayat, who held meetings frequently and publicly humiliated him for the wedding. Despite the adversity, Mamta decided to assert her rights and not succumb to the illegitimate diktat. She attended a meeting held by the Khaap Panchayat and valiantly spoke out, stating that marriage is a matter of individual choice and that every adult has the right to choose their partner. Despite her requests, the Khaap Panchayat passed a Hukka pani bandh resolution on January 15, further aggrevating problems for her family. She opposed the Panchayat's diktat of social ostracism and the threats directed towards her family.

Mamta sought the assistance of the Superintendent of Police, Rashi Dogra, who registered a case against 25 members of the Khaap Panchayat. This act of bravery by Mamta serves as a source of inspiration for others who may be facing similar circumstances and underscores the significance of speaking up against unjust practices and customs. The Kotwali police personnel said, an FIR has been registered and investigation is underway.