Same sex marriage case: Centre tells SC several states opposed legalisation

As the Supreme Court continues to hear pleas seeking legal recognition of same sex marriages, the Central government said that three states had opposed the move. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that the Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan governments had spoken against the granting of legal recognition. Other states including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur and Sikkim had sought more time to respond.

The Centre had issued a letter to the states on April 18, asking them to give their opinion on the issues relating to same-sex marriage. While Rajasthan submitted that this would create an imbalance in the social fabric and have far-reaching consequences for the social and family system. Meanwhile Assam said that a lot of personal laws would be impacted if this was permitted.

The apex court also noted on Wednesday that individuals in a same-sex relationship were not precluded from adopting a child under the law.

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A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud has been hearing arguments on a batch of petitions seeking legal sanction for same-sex marriage for the past two weeks. 

Meanwhile the Centre told the SC on Wednesday any that constitutional declaration it makes on the issue may not be a “correct course of action” as the court will not be able to foresee, envisage, comprehend and deal with its fallout.

(With inputs from agencies)