In Lingadahalli, Tarikere, a couple faced social exclusion from their community for supporting their daughter’s choice in marriage.
The woman, belonging to the Bhovi Scheduled Caste (SC) community, married a young man from the Adikarnataka community. With their parents’ blessing and participation in the wedding, the couple tied the knot. However, this decision angered members of the Bhovi community, who allegedly ostracized the family.
Jayamma and Venkatesh, parents of the bride, have four daughters and a son, with three daughters already married within the same community. After facing social boycott, Jayamma approached the Deputy Commissioner, seeking justice. She stated that neighbors had stopped interacting with them and had excluded them from community gatherings and events.
The couple also faced harassment when visiting a temple, where they were allegedly assaulted and expelled.
In response to the discriminatory act, a meeting was held under the guidance of Social Welfare Department Assistant Director Manjunath, alongside DySP Halamurthy, local officials, Gram Panchayat members, and Dalit leaders. Authorities issued a stern warning, stating that strict legal action would be taken against those enforcing such social bans.
This incident sheds light on deep-rooted caste discrimination, despite legal safeguards promoting freedom of choice in marriage.
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