UP Khap bans smartphones and half pants citing Western influence and tight wedding rules

Wedding rules now limit guests and control spend

A Khap Panchayat in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat has rolled out strict rules banning smartphones for teenagers and banning half-pants for boys and girls, saying it will curb Western influence. It has also issued wedding guidelines that restrict guest lists and spending, and pushes village-centred ceremonies with invitations shared on WhatsApp.