SHILLONG: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Wednesday warned that individuals who violate provisions of the Khasi Social Custom of Lineage Act could lose recognition as Khasi, even as it acknowledged that the law does not specifically address cases where children do not adopt their mother’s clan name.
The issue came up during a heated discussion in the Council’s Summer Session, where opposition members sought clarity on whether Khasi customary law strictly requires children to inherit their mother’s clan identity.
Responding to the debate, Executive Member in-charge of Law Deity Majaw said the Khasi Social Custom of Lineage Act, 1997, contains no specific provision dealing with parents who choose a different naming practice for their children.Despite that, she cautioned that violations of the Act could have serious consequences.
“Those who violate the Act shall cease to be recognised as Khasi. Likewise, those who deny being Khasi may also lose such recognition,” Majaw told the House.
She also pointed out that a 2022 state government notification recognises children born to Khasi parents as Khasi regardless of the surname they carry. However, the issue is currently under consideration before the Meghalaya High Court.
The discussion was triggered by concerns that departures from the traditional matrilineal system could create uncertainty over clan identity, inheritance rights and customary practices. The exchange exposed continuing differences over how the Lineage Act should be interpreted at a time when questions surrounding Khasi identity and clan lineage remain the subject of both public debate and legal scrutiny.