Madhya Pradesh: In Panchewa village of Ratlam district, villagers on January 23 announced a social boycott against families whose children marry by choice, particularly love marriages. The decision was taken during a village meeting attended by hundreds of people.
As per the declaration, affected families will be denied basic services, including milk supply, leasing of farmland, and employment opportunities.
They will also be excluded from social and religious activities, with villagers barred from offering services such as those of priests, barbers, and daily wage labourers. Anyone found supporting or assisting such families may also face boycott.
After the video triggered outrage, district authorities visited the village, warning residents that social boycotts are illegal and unconstitutional, and assured action if the diktat is enforced.
