**Title:** Punjab Village Bans Love Marriages Without Consent
**Meta Description:** A village in Punjab’s Mohali district has sparked controversy by banning love marriages without family consent, drawing criticism from political leaders and rights advocates.
**URL Slug:** punjab-village-bans-love-marriages
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**Headline:** Controversy Erupts in Punjab Village Over Ban on Love Marriages Without Family Consent
In a controversial move, the gram panchayat of Manakpur Sharif, a village in Punjab’s Mohali district, has passed a resolution prohibiting love marriages that lack family or community consent. This decision, made on July 31, has ignited significant backlash from political figures and human rights advocates alike.
Located just 10 kilometers from Chandigarh, the resolution was unanimously approved by the village council and stipulates that couples who marry without familial approval will not be allowed to reside in the village or its surrounding areas. Furthermore, it threatens punitive measures against villagers who provide support or shelter to such couples.
Dalvir Singh, the village sarpanch, defended the resolution, stating, “This is not a punishment but a preventive step to protect our traditions and values.” He cited a recent incident involving a 26-year-old man, Davinder, who married his 24-year-old niece, Baby, as a catalyst for the decision. Although the couple has since left the village, Singh emphasized the resolution’s impact on the community of approximately 2,000 residents.
“We are not against love marriage or the law, but we are not allowing it here in our Panchayat,” Singh added. The resolution places the onus on the entire community to prevent such unions and encourages neighboring villages to adopt similar policies.
The decision has faced sharp criticism. Dharamvira Gandhi, a Congress MP from Patiala, condemned the resolution as a “Talibani diktat,” asserting that the freedom to choose a life partner is a fundamental right. He called for state intervention to protect couples from regressive attitudes.
Despite the outrage, some local youth and villagers expressed support for the sarpanch’s decision, emphasizing the importance of preserving their cultural legacy. “We are with our Sarpanch on this decision. The world is modern, but we need to save our relations, our culture, and our villages,” one villager remarked.
Local authorities have taken a cautious approach to the situation. Sonam Chaudhary, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural) of Mohali, noted that no formal complaints have been filed. “If the individuals are adults, they are legally free to marry whom they choose. Any future complaints will be addressed in accordance with the law,” she stated.
Mohit Aggarwal, Superintendent of Police (Mohali), reinforced the importance of upholding the law, stating, “This is not a banana republic. We will uphold the law and constitutional rights. As of now, no official complaint has been received. If it comes, we will act as per the law.”
In response to the controversy, the couple at the center of the issue released a video on social media affirming that they married of their own free will and criticized local residents for damaging their reputation.
The Chairperson of the Punjab State Women Commission, Raj Lalli Gill, has also weighed in on the matter, highlighting the need for a more progressive approach to love marriages in the region.
As this situation unfolds, it raises important questions about individual rights, cultural traditions, and the role of local governance in personal matters.
**FAQ:**
**Q: What is the main issue surrounding the resolution passed by the gram panchayat in Manakpur Sharif?**
A: The resolution bans love marriages without family or community consent, prohibiting couples from residing in the village and threatening punitive action against supporters of such unions.
