Love Marriage Sparks Village Ban in Mohali

Punjab In a troubling incident from Mohali district, Punjab, a local village panchayat issued a strict order against a couple who had a love marriage, declaring that the pair could no longer reside in the village. The decision, reminiscent of outdated and unconstitutional practices, has raised serious questions about the balance between tradition and individual rights in rural India.

The couple, both adults, tied the knot against their families’ wishes. Instead of receiving support or protection, they found themselves at the center of a village-level uproar. The panchayat, acting on what it described as “community sentiment,” ruled that the couple had violated social norms. Not only were they asked to leave the village immediately, but the panchayat also warned villagers not to assist them in any way. Anyone found helping or sheltering the newlyweds would face punitive action, according to the panchayat’s declaration.

This move has caused a wave of concern among human rights activists and legal experts, who argue that such actions directly violate the constitutional rights of Indian citizens. Marriage between two consenting adults is fully protected under Indian law, and no extra-judicial body, including a village panchayat, has the authority to dictate personal choices or force individuals into exile.

The couple, devastated by the backlash, reportedly left the village to find refuge elsewhere. They are currently under the watch of a local NGO that works to protect the rights of inter-caste and love marriage couples. One of the organization’s spokespersons described the situation as “yet another example of moral policing in the name of tradition.”

Ironically, while many urban and semi-urban areas are moving towards acceptance and modernization, some rural communities still uphold regressive beliefs that strip individuals of agency. The case from Mohali is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted social challenges that persist in many Indian villages, despite decades of legal reform and awareness.

Legal experts suggest that the panchayat’s order could be challenged in court, and those involved may be prosecuted for harassment, intimidation, and illegal eviction. As of now, there has been no official action taken against the panchayat members, but calls for intervention from the local administration are growing louder.

The incident also raises questions for the state government about what measures are being taken to ensure the safety and rights of individuals choosing to marry for love, particularly in regions where conservative ideologies dominate public thinking.

As the story gains traction in national media, the hope is that it will spark dialogue about individual freedom, rural governance, and the role of community in a democratic society.