Patiala: The gram sabha of a village in Punjab’s Ropar district has proposed banning marriages between residents, warning of a social boycott of those who defy the decision and those who support them.The gram sabha of Oyind village passed the resolution on Tuesday, stating such relationships weaken the “brotherly bond” among residents and the village’s social fabric.Oyind nambardar Kuldeep Singh said the move followed recent incidents in which couples from the same village married and their families later clashed. “The most recent case of violence was recorded last month. The dispute could have ended in a fatality. That is why the gram sabha took this collective decision,” he said. A nambardar is a traditional village functionary who acts as a liaison between the gram sabha and the govt.Though locals and some panchayat members defended the move, legal experts questioned its validity. The resolution would also require approval from the district administration. Ropar deputy commissioner Aditya Dachalwal said the resolution had no legal sanctity. “I will look into the matter as it has social implications, including social boycott,” he said.Under Article 21 of the Constitution, adults have the fundamental right to choose a life partner. Advocate J P S Dher said the resolution would not stand legal scrutiny. “If challenged, a court is likely to declare it null and void,” he said.
