The Khap panchayats have always held the womenfolk in high regard and have stood firmly against any incident that has brought disrespect to them, a Khap leader on Saturday said.

Raghubir Nain, leader of local Binain Khap, said in Jind that Khap panchayats have always taken a firm stand on crime against women and have ostracised those found guilty of the same.

"We have socially boycotted the offenders of crime against women whereas under our laws, the criminals get away scot-free due to lack of evidences," Nain said.

He further claimed it was the Binain Khap that recognised inter-caste marriages for the betterment of women and bridge the social divide.

Nain said Khaps would be happy to put their views before the government if they are asked for it.