NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court ( SC ) today had harsh words for 'khap' Panchayats taking the law into their own hands with so-called honour killings , and strongly urged the Centre to protect couples from such 'khap' actions.

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The apex court also told the ' khaps ' they cannot become "self-appointed conscience keepers" when there is a law and there are courts to deal with marriages that may be prohibited by law.

The SC further said when two adults get married , it was for the law to declare the marriage null and void and khaps cannot resort to violence against the couple.

The top court said it is considering appointing a high-level police committee to devise ways to protect couples who get married in inter-caste, inter-faith, or similarly "opposed" alliances. The committee will be mandated to keep couples safe from any violence directed by 'khaps', Panchayats, parents and relatives.



In Video: Protect couples from 'khap' panchayats: SC to Centre