The panchayat of Baghpat district in UP has recently passed new 'diktat' which prohibited women under 40 to visit markets without an escort, use cell phones or even get married to the person they love.

This barbaric rule which is more like dictatorship in the name of power prevents the freedom of women. If you are a girl under 40 you cannot go to the local markets alone without an escort. You are bound to the house with no mobile phone facilities and also you are not allowed to marry the man you desire to.

Asara village of Bapghat has taken this decision after a few incidents of women being harassed in the area have occurred. They also told that a love marriage would lead to boycotting them from the village and they should not be helped by anybody.

The panchayat also said the objectionable union of the couples has put the families and communities to shame. This was on the rise due to the increased technology like cellphones that allowed unmonitored communication.

However, this was met with acerbic criticism from the women rights groups. Several of them protested against the rules and urged the government to ensure that such rules which are against the constitution do not come into force.

(AW- Anil)