Tue, Jun 17, 2025
Whatsapp

Supreme Court highlights the significance of 'choosing a life partner in landmark verdict'

Today, the Supreme Court issued its verdict on petitions advocating for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages in India

Reported by:  PTC News Desk  Edited by:  Annesha Barua -- October 17th 2023 12:44 PM
Supreme Court highlights the significance of 'choosing a life partner in landmark verdict'

Supreme Court highlights the significance of 'choosing a life partner in landmark verdict'

Same-sex marriage: The Supreme Court issued its historic verdict on petitions seeking legal recognition for same-sex marriages in India today. Here are some of the notable quotes from the Supreme Court's judgment:


  1. This court can't make law. It can only interpret it and give effect to it.
  2. Whether a change in the regime of the Special Marriage Act is for the Parliament to decide. This court must be careful to not enter into the legislative domain.
  3. Incorrect to state that marriage is a static and unchanging institution.
  4. Queer is a natural phenomenon known for ages. Homosexuality or queerness is not an urban concept or restricted to the upper classes of society.
  5. Our ability to feel love and connection with one another makes us feel human. We have an innate need to be seen and see. The need to share our emotions makes us who we are. These relationships may take many forms, natal families, romantic relationships, etc.
  6. The need to form part of a family is a core part of the human trait and is important for self-development.
  7. Choosing a life partner is an integral part of choosing one's course of life. Some may regard this as the most important decision of their life. This right goes to the root of the right to life and liberty under Article 21.
  8. The right to enter into union includes the right to choose one's partner and the right to recognition of that union. A failure to recognize such associations will result in discrimination against queer couples.
  9. All persons, including queer persons, have the right to judge the moral quality of their lives. The meaning of liberty is the ability to be who one wishes to be.
  10. This court has recognized that queer persons cannot be discriminated upon. Material benefits and services flowing to heterosexual couples and denied to queer couples will be a violation of their fundamental right.
  11. It cannot be assumed that unmarried couples are not serious about their relationship.
  12. Right to enter into union cannot be restricted on the basis of sexual orientation.
  13. Withdrawal of the State from the domestic space leaves the vulnerable party unprotected. Thus, all intimate activities within the private space cannot be said to be beyond the State's scrutiny.
  14. Whether a change in the regime of the Special Marriage Act is for the Parliament to decide. This Court must be careful to not enter into the legislative domain.
  15. The Centre should proceed with its committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, to address the raft of concerns of same-sex couples, including ration cards, pension, gratuity, and succession.

The Supreme Court's verdict represents a significant milestone in recognizing and affirming the rights of same-sex couples in India.

- With inputs from agencies

Top News view more...

Latest News view more...

PTC NETWORK