Delhi Court Shields Couple from Caste-Based Panchayat Threats

In a New Delhi village, a khap-like panchayat from the Bidhuri gotra threatened a Chechi gotra family over an inter-gotra marriage. The Delhi High Court has now provided protection to the couple, ensuring their marriage proceeds as planned amid escalating threats from the community.

In a dramatic turn of events, a panchayat from the Bidhuri gotra in a New Delhi village has issued threats against the family of Rakesh Chechi, compelling them to cancel a planned marriage between his son and a girl from the same gotra. The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between the Chechi and Bidhuri sub-castes within the Gurjar community.

The Delhi High Court intervened on Wednesday, granting protection to Rakesh's family and ensuring the couple can proceed with their marriage, scheduled for February 2026. Justice Ravinder Dudeja mandated that Delhi Police counsel individuals from the Bidhuri group, urging restraint and adherence to the law.

Despite police involvement, tensions remain high. Rakesh and his family have been subjected to social media hatred and life-threatening warnings. With no legal grounds to hinder the consensual marriage, this panchayat decree faces pushback not only from the judiciary but from societal norms advocating for personal freedom and safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)