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31st August 2015
05:24pm BST

Writing on their website, Amnesty said:
‘Unelected village councils such as this are widespread in parts of India. More often than not they are made up of older men from dominant castes, who prescribe rules for social behaviour and interaction in villages.
'The supreme court of India has described them as ‘kangaroo courts’ and branded their decrees illegal, yet in some states they continue to operate – and their punishments are carried out.’
23-year old Meenakshi reportedly had to approach India’s Supreme Court on behalf of herself and her sister. She claimed that her family had to move away from the village because of the ruling, leaving them homeless.
The young woman has since said that despite bringing their alarming concerns to police, authorities refused to protect the family and actively harassed them.Explore more on these topics: