HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN JODHPUR S.B. Criminal Writ Petition No. 1344/2025 Deepa Ram Meghwal ----Petitioner Versus Sate Of Rajasthan ----Respondent For Petitioner(s) : Mr. Mahipal Singh Charan For Respondent(s) : Mr. Surendra Bishnoi, PP HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE FARJAND ALI

Order

09/01/2026

1. Learned PP accept notice on behalf of the State.

2. The Commissioner of Police, Jodhpur and the Inspector General of Police, Range Jodhpur, are directed to remain personally present before this Court on the next date of hearing. They shall also place on record a sworn affidavit detailing the concrete steps undertaken to curb and eradicate the maleficence and pernicious practices prevailing in the society. The affidavit shall, inter alia, disclose the directions issued to the concerned Superintendent(s) of Police and any other authority, as well as any circulars, communications or directives, if issued, in compliance with and in furtherance of the order dated 07.03.2025 passed by this Court in Bhaka Ram Vs. State of Rajasthan & Ors. [S.B. Criminal Misc. Petition No.1306/2025]. All such communications shall be annexed along with the affidavit for the perusal of this Court. For ready reference, the relevant extract of the aforesaid order is reproduced hereinbelow:-

"OSTRACIZED: WHEN PEOPLE OF YOUR OWN SHUTS YOU DOWN

4. In many villages, love marriage is still considered a taboo and often faces severe opposition due to deep-rooted social evils. This Court has come across thousands of cases where couples who marry by their own choice are ostracized by their families and communities. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, this Court finds it appropriate to deliberate on these long-standing societal challenges, including caste-based discrimination, honor killings, Khap Panchayats, family and societal pressures, forced marriages, violence against women, and the imposition of fines on couples. These issues not only impact the individuals involved but also have broader implications on the society. Furthermore, many of these practices constitute punishable offenses under the law, necessitating a deeper exploration to understand the core problem. For better understanding, the major social evils existing in the society are discussed below:

a) Ostracization Social boycotts—where individuals are excluded from community privileges and essential resources—are still common in India. Couples who marry against societal norms often suffer economically, as they are denied access to basic resources, employment opportunities, and village benefits, all because of their personal choice in marriage.

b) Khap Panchayats Khap Panchayats are informal, quasi-judicial bodies prevalent in villages, particularly in northern and western India. These organizations impose severe penalties and fines based on age-old traditions, enforcing outdated customs on modern societal issues. One of their rigid rules dictates that a boy and a girl cannot marry outside their kin. If a couple dares to defy these customs, Khap Panchayats often take matters into their own hands, engaging in illegal activities such as imposing heavy fines and even sanctioning honor killings. Not only do individuals suffer, but their families also bear the consequences, as the actions of Khap Panchayats are not limited to the couple who entered into a love marriage. Those who support or testify against these Panchayats in court or advocate for love marriages are also ostracized from their communities. This includes boycotting them from attending weddings, social gatherings, and other community events, ultimately isolating them from society. This deep-rooted social stigma against love marriages, where Khaps impose unlawful and discriminatory sanctions, ultimately violates the fundamental rights of individuals.

c) Caste-based Discrimination Caste and religion continue to hold significant influence in Indian society. The greatest challenge is not class division but caste-based segregation. The individuals who m