A 'Khap Panchayat' refers to a traditional, extra-constitutional caste or community council primarily found in parts of North India, particularly in states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. These councils are composed of elders from specific castes or communities and operate outside the formal legal and administrative framework of the Indian state.

The primary function of Khap Panchayats is to resolve disputes, enforce social norms, and uphold community traditions, often related to marriage, land, and 'honor.' They act as informal judicial bodies, delivering judgments that are binding on their community members. While some view them as guardians of traditional values and effective local dispute resolution mechanisms, they have become highly controversial.

Khap Panchayats are frequently criticized for their regressive pronouncements, particularly concerning inter-caste or intra-gotra marriages, which they often forbid. They have been associated with 'honor killings' and other forms of violence against couples who defy their dictates, violating fundamental human rights and constitutional freedoms. Their decisions often bypass the formal legal system, leading to a parallel system of justice that can be arbitrary and discriminatory, especially against women and marginalized groups.

The Indian judiciary has repeatedly declared Khap Panchayats illegal and their pronouncements unlawful, emphasizing that they have no legal authority to interfere with adult consensual marriages. Despite legal condemnation, they continue to exert significant social influence in many rural areas, highlighting the ongoing tension between traditional community structures and modern constitutional law in India.