An Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court is hearing a plea challenging alleged actions taken by a community organisation following a lawful same-gotra (sagotra) marriage. The petitioners—an inter-family couple and some relatives—allege that office-bearers of the Kshatriya Kushwah Samaj Sangathan, reportedly active across Barwani, Dhar and Khargone districts, enforced an 11-year social boycott. They further claim the group imposed monetary penalties: Rs 51,000 on the couple’s family and Rs 2,100 on each person who attended the marriage. The petition also alleges threats of social ostracism and disciplinary action against attendees.
A Division Bench of Justices Subodh Abhyankar and Alok Awasthi has issued notices to the State Government, district authorities, police officials and the private respondents, seeking their replies. The court also directed that if the petitioners or their family face any threats or danger to life or liberty, the police authorities must take immediate steps to ensure their protection.
The plea argues the conduct raises constitutional questions, including the right of consenting adults to marry and the illegality of social-boycott measures by caste or community bodies. The petition cites Supreme Court rulings that disapprove extra-constitutional interference in lawful marriages. The case will proceed after the respondents file their replies.
