Same-sex marriage in India: Supreme Court refers all petitions to a five-judge constitutional bench
In a significant development on Monday, the Supreme Court of India referred to a Constitution Bench a batch of petitions seeking legal recognition for same-sex marriages. The Apex Court observed that it was a matter of "seminal importance". The Centre on Sunday had filed an affidavit before the apex court, opposing the legal recognition of same-sex marriage in India. It told the court. So far, four queer couples have asked the Supreme Court to recognise their union and grant fundamental rights that cisgender heterosexual couples are conferred with. Final arguments will be heard on April 18, by a five-judge constitutional bench. The hearing will be live streamed on the Supreme Court website. Four queer couples have filed pleas before the SC seeking marriage equality and legal rights. Final arguments to be heard on April 18 and will be live streamed for the public.