Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra–constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and the judiciary to set the things right in this regard.

Theme

T81 DPSP, Uniform Civil Code & extra-constitutional bodies (khaps)

What UPSC asks in this theme

UPSC asks what stops India from enacting a Uniform Civil Code under the DPSPs, and how the legislature, executive and judiciary have acted against khap panchayats.

What to cover

• Art 44; Constituent Assembly debates
• Obstacles: diversity, minority fears, political consensus
• Goa's civil code; Uttarakhand UCC; Law Commission (21st) view
• Khaps: honour killings, Shakti Vahini judgment 2018, state actions

Writing the answer

• Balance diversity and gender justice

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 2 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.