SC declines to legalise same-sex marriage but bats for the rights of LGBTQ+ community

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to legalise same-sex marriages, stating that it is the legislature that has to change the law. However, the five-judge bench recognised the rights of the queer community in India, including to adopt children.

"There is no unqualified right to marriage except as it recognised under the law. Conferring legal status to a civil union can only be through enacted law," says the Supreme Court on same-sex marriage. 

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud added that it was for the Parliament to change the Special Marriage Act and the court can't make law but only interpret it.

However, it directed the Centre, states and Union Territories (UTs) to ensure that the queer community is not discriminated against.

(To be updated)