Same-sex marriage verdict: Congress says, 'Always stood with our citizens to protect their freedoms, rights'

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In response to the Supreme Court's refusal to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages, the Congress, on Tuesday, reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination in the judicial, social, and political realms. The party expressed its stance as advocates for safeguarding the freedoms, choices, liberties, and rights of all citizens.

A five-judge Constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, delivered the verdict on 21 pleas seeking legal validation for same-sex marriages. The court emphasized its role in interpreting the law rather than making it, asserting that the matter of changing the Special Marriage Act rests with Parliament.

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Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, according to a PTI report, acknowledged the differing judgments delivered in the Supreme Court, stating that the party was studying the verdicts and would provide a detailed response in due course. Ramesh highlighted the Congress's unwavering commitment to protecting the freedoms, choices, liberties, and rights of all citizens, emphasizing the party's inclusive approach in judicial, social, and political matters.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh said, "On the same-sex marriage and related issues we are studying the different and differing judgments delivered in the Supreme Court today and will have a detailed response subsequently."

The grand-old party leader then added, "Indian National Congress has always stood with all our citizens to protect their freedoms, choices, liberties and rights. We, as a party of inclusion, firmly believe in non-discriminatory processes - judicial, social, and political."

The Supreme Court directed the Centre, states, and Union Territories to ensure that the queer community is not subjected to discrimination. Chief Justice Chandrachud underscored the natural and timeless nature of queerness, rejecting any urban or elitist connotations. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice S Ravindra Bhat concurred with the CJI on certain rights for queer couples, while Justice Bhat expressed both agreements and differences with the CJI's views.

In delivering the verdict, the Chief Justice emphasized that the decision regarding the need for changes in the Special Marriage Act ultimately falls within the purview of Parliament. The Supreme Court's decision sparked discussions and debates on the legal recognition of same-sex marriages in India, reflecting the evolving social and legal landscape of the country.