Caste Panchayat - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following are the features / functions of caste Panchayat?

1) It is a group of persons belonging to any community
2) It regulates social behavior of people of the community
3) It regulates personal behavior of people of the community
4) It issues dictates


a. 1, 2, 4
b. 1, 3, 4
c. 1, 2
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:

  • “Caste Panchayat” as a committee or a body formed by a group of persons belonging to any community (whether registered or not) which functions within the community to regulate and control personal and social behavior of its members and collectively resolves or decides disputes, including within families, by issuing oral or written dictates.


2)   Which of the following will be the first state to propose a law against the social boycott of individuals or families by caste Panchayats?

a. Haryana
b. Maharashtra
c. Kerala
d. Tamil Nadu
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Maharashtra

Explanation:

  • Maharashtra will be the first state in the country to propose a law against the social boycott of individuals or families by caste Panchayats.
  • Caste panchayat heads have been reported to mete out extra-judicial punishment to those not adhering to their rules.
  • It terms any action of social boycott a crime. It states that a trial should be completed within six months from the date of filing of a charge sheet, and has recommended three years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 1 lakh, or both, for those found guilty.
  • Offences punishable under the act shall be cognisable and bailable, and can be tried by a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.
  • There is also provision for Social Boycott Prohibition Officers to detect the commission of offences under the act; these officers will assist magistrate and police officers in the discharge of their duties.
  • The state was the first in the country to enact an anti-superstition law.