Muzaffarnagar: Khap Panchayat which has always been in the headlines for banning various things for girls in the villages, are back in the news again. But this time, it is a "piece of advice" for the men. An influential Khap Panchayat in Uttar Pradesh has banned men from wearing shorts or half pants in public.
The Khap Panchayat leader of Muzaffarnagar, Naresh Tikait said, "Elders have decided to not allow men going about marketplaces and daily public life in half pants as it is distasteful."
Calling it a "piece of advice," the leader said that imposing restrictions as such on girls is no solution. Based on several complaints from girls, the decision was taken at a panchayat of several prominent Khaps in Sisoli village. Although the Khap said it is not an order, but if they spot any men in shorts, his name and address will be noted and action will be taken against him.
Muzaffarnagar, which is known for its strong patriarchal system has recently been in the news as several homes in the district have put up nameplates with their daughters' names written on them, as a mark of respect to the girl child.
Despite being declared as "illegal" by Supreme Court in 2017, Khap Panchayats still have considerable influence over the society wherever the Jats are the dominant caste. Khap Panchayats and its decisions have mostly been controversial in nature.
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