Rajasthan Against Same-Sex Marriage, 6 States Say Debate Needed, Centre Tells SC

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that Rajasthan has opposed same-sex marriage.

The Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court on Wednesday, 10 May, that Rajasthan has opposed same-sex marriage.

"We've written letters to the state governments. There are 7 responses from Manipur, AP, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, Sikkim, and Rajasthan. Rajasthan takes the position that we've examined this and we oppose to the position of petitioners. Rest say this needs debate."

SG Tushar Mehta

This came on day 9 of the marriage equality hearing as the apex court debates the legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the country.

'Court Won't Be Able To Deal With the Fall Out'

SG Mehta told the court, "Whenever a declaration is made by legislature, legislature has the power to regulate the fall out. Your lordships would not be able to foresee and thereafter deal with the fall out."

However, senior advocate AM Singhvi appealed to the constitution bench,

"Don't not do it because the legislature may not do it- that's not right. Please don't be swayed by this argument that elected legislature, unelected judges, majority - whole advance of laws is full of examples to the contrary."

Govt Agrees To Set Up a Panel

The Centre on 3 May agreed to set up a panel headed by the Cabinet Secretary to explore administrative steps for addressing 'concerns' of same-sex couples, SG Mehta said before the Supreme Court.

"The government is positive. What we have decided is that this would need coordination between more than one ministry. So, a committee headed by no less than the Cabinet Secretary will be constituted," Mehta had told the apex court.

"My friends can give me suggestions or problems they're facing which the committee will go into and will try and see that so far as legally permissible, they are addressed," the Solicitor General added.