The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the response of the Central government in a plea to allow single, unmarried women to avail the option of having children through surrogacy.
We look at the relationship of the CJI with the Central government, how he has addressed criticisms surrounding the institution and how the members of the Bar view the changes he has effected at the apex court so far.
While the petitioners cited fundamental rights and argued that LGBTQIA+ couples deserve the legal privileges bestowed by marriage, the other side argued about the impact on children and the state's legitimate interest in regulating marriages. Here's an issue-wise breakdown.
The Supreme Court of India began hearing petitions seeking the legalisation of same-sex marriage on April 18, 2023. Whether Supreme Court, or Parliament, will pave the way for same-sex marriage in the coming days will be seen, but the question that has come up for the debate on marriage equality is whether same sex marriage is an 'urban elitist concept' or integral right in comparison to other rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
In Part II, Kirpal speaks on plans to set up a queer bar association, how the fight for marriage equality was different from the battle to decriminalise homosexuality, inclusivity in the judiciary and more.