New Delhi, Jul 14 (IANS): Slamming Taliban-style diktats by a caste panchayat in Uttar Pradesh against women, Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Sharad Yadav demanded action against such "unconstitutional" groups.
Talking to journalists here, Yadav called the caste panchayat a "slur on the face of society".
"How the khap (caste) panchayat can put a ban on (women) visiting market and using cellphones? These should be condemned," he said.
"Government and political leaders are not taking this issue very seriously because of the fear of vote bank," Yadav said.
The Asaara panchayat in Baghpat district Thursday set out rules for women under 40: they should cover their heads, not use mobile phones, not leave the house after sunset.
It also banned the entry of couples who had a love marriage.