Bhubaneswar: Day after incidents of humiliating ‘purification ritual’ over same clan marriages came to the fore, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Monday condemned the ‘illegal and immoral’ practice still prevalent in tribal regions of Odisha.
“Such parallel justice systems have no place in a lawful society. The state government is already taking steps to curb such practices. Strict action will be taken against anyone found conducting or participating in such unlawful gatherings. No one will be allowed to hold Kangaroo courts,” he warned.
The Minister further noted that such incidents often occur due to lack of awareness, particularly in remote areas. “In some cases, influential individuals misuse their authority to conduct these so-called courts, which are extremely harmful for the society. None will be spared for taking the law in their hands,” he added.
Two such cases have been reported from Rayagada and Koraput districts where couples were allegedly forced to haul a plough like bullocks in the so-called “purification ritual” ordered by kangaroo courts for marrying within the same clan to ‘cleanse’ the community.
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The video of the incidents have also gone viral, triggering widespread condemnation. Human rights activists have demanded immediate intervention by the administration and action against those responsible for orchestrating such acts.