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Congress MP and industrialist Naveen Jindal has reportedly come out in support of the Haryana Khap Panchayats, who have been demanding an amendment to the 'Hindu Marriage Act'. It has been reported that Jindal, who is currently abroad, sent a letter to the Khap Panchayats on Sunday affirming his support to them on the issue. The self-styled Khap Panchayats gathered in Kurukshetra on April 13 and demanded a ban on marriages within the same 'gotra' or sub caste. They also protested against a Karnal Sessions Court verdict that awarded death sentences to five accused and a life-term to the leader of a Khap Panchayat for the murder of a newly-married couple. Representatives of at least 20 Khap Panchayats from Haryana challenged the court ruling and said they would raise money to help the killers of the newly married couple. They said they wanted the 'Hindu Marriage Act' to be amended, to include a law that bans marriages within same sub caste or the same village. They issued an ultimatum for a firm decision within two months, adding that they would form a panel to protect their traditions.

Naveen Jindal comes out in support of Khap Panchayats