The court prohibits illegal fines and social boycotts by self-styled Khap Panchayats, directing the State to implement a comprehensive policy framework and SOP for the prevention and redressal of coercive social practices, while ensuring independent investigations into such crimes.

Order

DATE OF CONCLUSION OF ARGUMENTS : 18/03/2026

DATE ON WHICH ORDER IS RESERVED : 18/03/2026

FULL ORDER OR OPERATIVE PART : Full Order

DATE OF PRONOUNCEMENT : 17/04/2026

BY THE COURT:-

1. The instant criminal writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India has been preferred on behalf of the petitioner whereby he is aggrieved by the fine imposed by the accused persons in a self-styled Khap Panchayat.

2. Briefly stating the facts of the case are that the complainant, Pancharam, alleges that his brother-in-law Vikram Kumar was in a live-in relationship with Vimla Devi, which was opposed by members of their community. Despite protection orders from this Court, certain self-styled community panchayat members unlawfully convened meetings, imposed an illegal fine of ₹31 lakhs, and issued threats of social boycott and harm. Under coercion and fear, the complainant and his relatives arranged and paid the demanded amount. Subsequently, an additional fine of ₹4 lakhs was imposed, accompanied by threats of social ostracism. The accused persons are alleged to have committed acts of criminal intimidation, extortion, and harassment, forcing the complainant to approach higher authorities after the local police initially refused to register the report.

3. I have heard the counsel appearing on behalf of the parties and perused the material available on record.

4. This Court has already dealt with the issue involved in the present case in Deepa Ram Meghwal & Ors. v. State od Rajasthan & Ors. [S.B. Criminal Writ Petition No. 1344/2025] vide order dated 10.04.2026. For ready reference, the directions issued in the order dated 10.04.2026 are reproduced herein below:-

DIRECTIONS

A. General Compliance with Supreme Court Directions

21. This Court has carefully gone through the directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Shakti Vahini (supra) and finds itself in complete consonance with the same.

21.1 Accordingly, it is directed that the concerned authorities, including the District Magistrates/Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Station House Officers, as well as the officials of local self-government bodies such as Panchayats and Municipalities, shall strictly adhere to and implement the preventive, remedial and punitive measures as delineated by the Hon’ble Apex Court.

21.2 Any deviation or non-compliance with the aforesaid directions shall be viewed seriously and may invite appropriate proceedings for contempt for disobedience of the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

B. District-Level Institutional Mechanism and Monitoring

22. In order to effectively curb and cripple down this menace, this Court deems it appropriate to direct that the State shall designate a Nodal Officer at the District level, who shall function in close coordination with the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, local police machinery, and representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions as well as Municipal Bodies, so as to maintain constant vigil over such unlawful activities.

22.1 The said Nodal Officer shall ensure prompt and timely reporting of any such incident to the designated State-level authority, which shall, in turn, monitor compliance and take necessary steps in accordance with law.

22.2 It is further directed that the office of such institutional mechanism/Special Cell shall be made easily accessible to the victims, ensuring that any aggrieved person can approach the authorities without any impediment or delay.

22.3 Upon receipt of any complaint, the concerned authority shall forthwith conduct a preliminary inquiry and prepare a detailed report, which shall be duly communicated to the Su