Traditional social structures clashed with modern law today in a Fatehabad village as a family found itself isolated due to a “Fatwa-style” decree issued by the village elders. The incident has once again highlighted the influence of unauthorized village councils in rural Haryana.
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The Dispute: The village had collectively decided to construct a grand temple and set a fixed contribution amount for every household. While most families complied, one family cited financial constraints and personal reasons for their inability to pay the “tax.”
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The Decree: Offended by the refusal, the village panchayat held a meeting where they passed a resolution for a complete social boycott (Hookah-Pani Band). According to the order:
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No villager is allowed to maintain social ties with the family.
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Shopkeepers are discouraged from selling essential items to them.
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The family is barred from using common village facilities, including the community well and grazing lands.
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Police Intervention: After the family approached the district authorities for protection, a police team was dispatched to the village to mediate. “Social boycotts are a criminal offense under the law. We have warned the village representatives of strict legal action, including FIRs, if the family is harassed or denied their rights,” said a senior Fatehabad police official.
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Rights Violation: Legal experts have pointed out that such actions violate Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty) of the Constitution. Civil rights activists in Fatehabad have demanded the arrest of the individuals who spearheaded the boycott call to set a deterrent.
