Shillong: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) executive acknowledged on Wednesday that the Khasi Social Custom of Lineage Act fails to address naming conventions for parents who abandon the traditional matrilineal system. This admission sparked intense debate during the opening of the council’s summer session, where opposition leaders pressed for clarity on whether the law mandates that children must inherit their mother's clan name.
Nongskhen MDC Grace Mary Kharpuri and Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne argued that shifting away from established matrilineal traditions creates significant confusion surrounding clan identity and inheritance. Deity Majaw, the Executive Member in-charge of Law, confirmed that the 1997 legislation remains silent on these specific cases. Majaw noted that a 2022 state government notification currently recognizes children born to Khasi parents as Khasi, though she added that the entire matter is presently being considered by the High Court of Meghalaya.
Despite the lack of explicit language in the Act, the council issued a stern warning that violating the law carries severe consequences. Majaw stated that under Section 10 of the Act, individuals who deviate from these traditions could face the removal of their Scheduled Tribe status. She told the House, "Those who violate the Act shall cease to be recognised as Khasi. Likewise, those who deny being Khasi may also lose such recognition." This stance leaves many families in a precarious legal position, as the council enforces strict adherence to customs while simultaneously admitting the existing law is unclear.
Comments