The Indian government announced on Wednesday that it will establish a committee to examine the practical problems faced by gay couples in their day-to-day life. The move comes amid ongoing arguments in the country’s top court for the recognition of same-sex unions. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has opposed legalizing same-sex marriages, citing concerns about the Indian family unit, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the committee will explore administrative solutions.
The committee will be headed by the country’s top bureaucrat, but the government has not signaled any change in its position. Mehta also requested that the petitioners provide the committee with their suggestions and solutions. The petitioners argue that without legal recognition of their marriages, they are deprived of important rights such as those related to medical consent, pensions, adoption, and even club memberships.
The case, which is being heard by a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yashwant Chandrachud, began last month. The government’s opposition to same-sex marriage has sparked controversy and protests, with many arguing that it is discriminatory and violates the rights of the LGBT community. The committee’s formation, however, is seen by some as a step towards addressing the daily struggles faced by LGBT couples in India.
Despite this development, many in the LGBT community in India continue to face discrimination and marginalization. Same-sex relations are still criminalized under the country’s colonial-era penal code, and anti-LGBT sentiment remains prevalent in many parts of Indian society. The government’s stance on same-sex marriage has also been criticized by human rights organizations and activists, who argue that it is time for India to join other countries in recognizing the rights of LGBT individuals and couples.