A village in India bans services for families of inter-caste couples, sparking legal action and national backlash.

A village in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district, Panchewa, faces backlash after a local panchayat announced a social and economic boycott against families of individuals who marry by choice, particularly in love or inter-caste unions. The decision, made following multiple elopements, includes banning access to milk, social events, employment, and services from local providers. A video of the announcement went viral, prompting the district administration to intervene, identify those involved, and take legal action, including binding individuals to maintain peace. Authorities emphasize such boycotts are illegal and unconstitutional, and a formal investigation is underway.