Punjab village passes resolution banning Love marriages without Family consent, sparks outcry

August 5, 2025

Mohali: The gram panchayat of Manakpur Sharif, a village located approximately 10 km from Chandigarh in Mohali district, has triggered widespread controversy after passing a resolution banning love marriages without family or community approval.

The resolution, adopted unanimously on July 31, prohibits couples who elope or marry without the consent of their families from residing in the village or its surrounding areas. It also mandates punitive action against any villager who offers shelter or support to such couples.

Village sarpanch Dalvir Singh defended the move, stating it was intended to maintain “social order” and was prompted by a recent marriage between a 26-year-old man and his 24-year-old niece. Singh claimed the union caused significant unrest among residents and said the village “does not oppose love marriages, but they must occur with proper approval.”

The resolution has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and rights groups. Former Patiala MP Dharamvira Gandhi condemned the decision, calling it a “Talibani diktat” and a violation of constitutional rights. “Every adult has the fundamental right to choose their life partner,” he said.

Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill also criticized the resolution, asserting that it holds no legal validity. “Such decisions by panchayats cannot override constitutional protections,” Gill said, adding that the Commission would intervene if any complaints were received.

Mohali Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural) Sonam Chaudhary confirmed that no formal complaint has been filed but reiterated that the administration would act against any unconstitutional enforcement of the resolution. Superintendent of Police Mohit Aggarwal stated, “This is not a banana republic. No one can infringe on an individual’s right to marry.”

The development is part of a broader trend across parts of Punjab, where several village panchayats  including those in Faridkot, Patiala, Bathinda, and Moga  have passed similar resolutions against intra-village marriages. In some cases, such actions have reportedly led to social ostracism and violence, prompting interventions by state agencies.