A Muslim Pinjari (cotton ginning) family in Nashik was allegedly ostracised by their Pinjari Jamaat jat panchayat because the family was building a house on a disputed plot. However, fearing the new law against social boycott, the jat panchayat has withdrawn their order on Monday.
This incident occurred in Vaghale village of Baglan tehsil of Nashik a few days ago. The issue was, however, resolved on Monday morning after village elders, Andhshraddha Nirmulan Samiti (ANS) and the police intervened.
The jat panchayat was involved in a dispute with Mehboob Pinjari over a plot of land which the panchayat said it belongs to the community. The village’s anti-dispute panel and other villagers however sided with Mehboob, but the jat panchayat remained adamant.
Earlier the panchayat had ruled that the Pinjari family was barred from communication with the rest of their community members. They were also prohibited from attending marriages and other community functions. ANS senior leader Krishna Chandgude rushed from Ahmednagar on Monday after hearing about the case. He informed the panchayat that a law against social boycott has been passed but it is awaiting the President of India’s signature.
“However, till the Act is implemented, the government published a GR on 30 Sept 2013. The GR stated that caste cases should be registered under the specific sections provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The GR also instructs police to immediately register complaints in such cases,” Mr Chandgude said.
The village then held a meeting and gave stern warning to the Pinjari Jamaat members. Fearing the wrath of the law and villagers, the jat panchayat took back their order of social boycott on Monday.
