New Delhi, Oct 21: After three long years of waiting for the Supreme Court’s verdict on marriage equality rights, the LGBTQ+ community and their allies find themselves in a state of frustration and disappointment.
The Supreme Court on October 17 refused to legalise same-sex marriage, placing it upon the Parliament and state governments to decide if non-heterosexual unions can be legally recognised. A five-judge Bench of the apex court announced a 3:2 verdict on petitions seeking rights for members of the LGBTQ+ community to marry, and choose family. The apex court delivered four verdicts in the same-sex marriage case, and the majority opinions were held by Justices S. Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli and P.S. Narasimha, and the minority views by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justice S.K. Kaul.
The prolonged anticipation has resulted in a sense of unease and uncertainty in their pursuit of equal rights. However, amid this frustration, the community’s hopes remain undeterred, and their resolve to fight for their rights burns brighter than ever. (IANS)
