Don't be conscience-keeper of society, SC scolds Khaps

Days after a 23-year-old man was stabbed to death, in the name of honour, by a girl's family members in Delhi, the Supreme Court admonished khap panchayats and told them not to be the "conscience keepers of society."

Dismissing a submission by activist Madhu Kishwar, that honour killings should be re-designated as hate crimes, the SC pulled up khap panchayats and observed that no third party has the right to interfere between two consenting adults.

Two adults are free to get married and "no third party" has any right to harass or cause harm to them, an apex court bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said on Monday.

"When two people get into wedlock, no one should interfere. Neither parents, society, khap or panchayat... no one at all," the bench that also comprised Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud observed.

A senior counsel representing the khaps objected to the harsh portrayal of the panchayats as inciters of honour killings.

The top court brushed aside his arguments and directed Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, representing the Centre, to suggest guidelines to curb honour killings.