‘Do not marry for love’; counselling first, village warns of social boycott if couples refuse

CHANDIGARH: A village panchayat in Haryana has banned love marriages and warned that young couples and their families could face social boycott if they go ahead with such marriages. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Aryanagar gram panchayat in Hisar district on Sunday. The move came after three such marriages were reported in the village.

The panchayat also decided that a man from the village should not marry a woman from the same village. The panchayat's view is that such marriages could affect the social structure of the village. Relationships between young men and women from the same village are considered similar to sibling relationships. Therefore, marriages between them will not be accepted, reports said. A village-level committee will be formed to prevent such marriages, and awareness programmes will also be organised.

Discussions on the issue began after the family of a girl opposed her love marriage. BJP leader and village resident Hanuman Verma said the panchayat's decision was aimed at protecting future generations.

“Love marriages create cracks in social relationships, family ties and mutual harmony. Counselling will be provided to those who support such marriages,” he said.

Authorities have also decided to conduct a door-to-door survey to find out whether villagers have any objections to the panchayat's decision.