India’s Supreme Court to Deliver Verdict on Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage
India’s Supreme Court is set to make a landmark decision on Tuesday regarding the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. If the court grants recognition, it could lead to significant changes in Indian society, which is predominantly conservative and upholds traditional values.
This case is being hailed as a pivotal moment for LGBTQ rights in India, following a historic ruling by the Supreme Court in 2018 that abolished a colonial-era ban on gay sex. Currently, only Taiwan and Nepal allow same-sex unions in Asia, highlighting the prevailing conservative stance in the region’s politics and society.
A five-judge bench, headed by the Chief Justice of India, heard arguments related to same-sex marriage recognition between April and May. The court reserved its order on May 12, and the verdict is now scheduled to be announced on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Supreme Court website.
If the court decides in favor of legal recognition, it will necessitate the redefinition of family laws, which will likely have a profound impact on Indian society. However, the Indian government has opposed the appeals, describing them as urban elitist views and asserting that the parliament should be the appropriate platform for debating this matter. The government also contends that same-sex marriages are not compatible with the traditional Indian perspective of a husband, a wife, and children.
Members of India’s LGBTQ community argue that despite the 2018 judgement, they still face discrimination, and the absence of legal backing for same-sex marriages infringes upon their constitutional rights.
This verdict has captured international attention as it holds the potential for significant societal transformations in the world’s most populous country. With conservative values deeply rooted in Indian politics and society, the decision of the Supreme Court will be a defining moment for LGBTQ rights in India.
*(Reporting by Shivam Patel; Arpan Chaturvedi; Editing by Bill Berkrot)*
