AIDWA expresses concern over the recent judgement given by Additional Sessions Judge in Delhi observing that women were morally bound not to have sex before marriage.
AIDWA is shocked by the news report in a national daily where it has been reported that some self-proclaimed leaders of Khap Panchayats in Haryana have tried to impose dress code for women and appointed men to watch and report on the “activities” of college and school girls who “violate the code”.
This statement needs to be seen in the light of growing incidence of rape cases in the state. AIDWA thinks that such statements are being made in an attempt to deflect attention from the real issue of growing crime against women by trying to put the blame on the victim. It should also be noted that there are reports of several rape cases of minor girls in the last few months in Haryana and to conclude that these girls by their actions were inviting rape on themselves is not just highly objectionable, but criminal. It also appears that such elements have gotten emboldened by the recent utterances by the Chief Minister himself, who has defended the activities of Khap Panchayats while addressing the media.
The news report has also mentioned that these unconstitutional bodies have appointed “squads” of “mature men” to spy on girls. It is extremely shocking that such groups of men have actually gone to the extent of visiting some school premises to check on girl students in Jhajjar district. AIDWA warns the Haryana government that formation of such squads is not just against the right to freedom and choice of these young women, but also creates a possibility of blackmail and harassment of these girls. Such actions which go against the spirit of the Constitution should not be allowed at any condition.
AIDWA believes that by calling women of Haryana the “agents who pollute society and bring bad name to the community”, these Khap Panchayats have once again tried to malign the image of brave, talented Haryanvi women, who have shown their talents in the fields of sports, education and politics. While on the other hand, these panchayats have time and again supported “honour” killings of innocent girls and boys, who decide to marry out of choice.
We call on the administration of different districts of Haryana to take strict action against anyone who is making such unconstitutional statements and see to it that no such elements are allowed to impose their diktats over women in the state.
