Jatpanchayat bans use of mobile phones by girls in Muzaffarnagar

Yet another case of curbing women’s rights in the name of moral policing. The Jatpanchayat in Uttar Pradesh has decided to restrict mobile phone use by girls, saying they would not be allowed to use cellphones without parental supervision.

According to Jat Mahasabha head, Narendra Singh, "Smartphones are creating trouble for families and it's important to control their misuse. There is a strong possibility of girls going wayward. So we decided that we take special care of girls and not give them smartphones."

The meeting was attended by heads of over 30 villages. It was organized by the Jat Mahasabha in the Rataur village of the Jansath block, after complaints of girls "misusing" cell phones, were reportedly received from their parents.

Mahasabha member Santosh Verma said, "TV and films are showing dirty stuff which misleads our children. We are not against mobile phones but we are trying to restrict their misuse."

An inquiry has been launched into the panchayat's decision, and its report will be submitted to Muzaffarnagar District Magistrate Dinesh Kumar Singh.

This is not the first time, where such a decision is taken for "women protection"; western Uttar Pradesh has seen similar decisions in the past. For example, women were banned from wearing jeans and T-shirts in 2011. In 2015, usage of mobile phones was also banned after a decision was taken by the village council in Muzaffarnagar and Saharanpur.