Khap Panchayats Ban Half-Pants and Smartphones for Boys

In Uttar Pradesh, India, some local groups called khap panchayats have made new rules.

They have banned boys under 18 from wearing half-pants and using smartphones.

Instead, these boys are told to wear traditional clothes like kurta-pyjamas.

The groups are known for controlling women's behavior, but now they are also controlling what boys can do.

Some people think these rules are silly and too restrictive.

They wonder if these groups are learning about equality but in a backward way.

The rules are seen as very old-fashioned and not helpful for young people.