Same-Sex Marriage Verdict Highlights | India's Supreme Court says it is the govt’s job to legalise same sex marriage

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Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: Akshay Tyagi, Lalit Suri Hospitality Group

I think it's time now that all of us collectively come forward and work on strategies and policies that could actually pay good report, as well as case studies forward to bring in the consensus to allow people to be themselves, and its time that we all come together to understand the challenges.

Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: Akshay Tyagi, Lalit Suri Hospitality Group

We have had huge faith in the constitution and of course, with the CJI, we all were expecting a positive verdict, especially when it comes to at least recognition of the civil unions and a way forward. But honestly, like Dr Prasad also mentioned that it's it came as a disappointment. But there is a long way forward from here.

Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: Akshay Tyagi, Lalit Suri Hospitality Group

To be very honest, I think there is a long way forward from here. And it's something that now is the time when all the corporate organisations, all the NGOs, the activism has to be even stronger for the advocacy that we all have been working really hard for years. 

Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: Tanushree Bhalla, Intervenor

Now, what has happened is that the gloves are off, the battle, which was earlier ambiguous is now like an open battle. So in that sense, for people who were getting relief on a case-by-case basis now it will also get tough for them until obviously, this is revised and either the law evolves or the society evolves either way. So that is sort of a setback definitely to people who have been waiting for so many years. And laws are not formed, legislation doesn't come overnight.

Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: Tanushree Bhalla, Intervenor

On one hand, it shows that the learned bench has empathised with the issues that exist. We would like to actually go through the complete judgment once it is published to understand what remedy lies ahead. Of course, remedy does lie ahead. There is always a remedy whenever there's an issue and the court is not going anywhere, it has just tried to entrust the union government with the remedies.

Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: Dr Prasad Dandekar, Oncologist, Reliance Foundation

Also, the CJI has in very detailed manner pointed out, what are the aspects that we need to look at. So it is not just the civil partnership, but what are the rights that come with it? So I think that is a step forward. It's not the step that I was looking for. I was already looking to book a wedding venue, but that has not happened. But I feel now the ball is in the government's court, at least that ball has been thrown by the Supreme Court and not by somebody else. So I am sure something will move forward.

Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: Dr Prasad Dandekar, Oncologist, Reliance Foundation

I feel that if we look at five years ago, today I think there is a bit of a step forward. Now if I had gone to the government and said I want to get married and you create a law, the government was not going to listen to me and not going to get anything done right. Now at least we have a Supreme Court which is saying that the government should form a committee and they should look into this they should not discriminate.

Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: Akshay Tyagi, Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
Now is the time for advocacy to be stronger from corporates, NGOs, etc. The Supreme Court ruling came as a disappointment and there is a long way ahead from here.

Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: Dr Prasad Dandekar, Oncologist, Reliance Foundation

Very, very disappointed and very upset about it and I have been waiting for last 19 years, me and my partner have been together for 19 years. We have been waiting for this. But when we look at the larger picture, we do know that the Supreme Court could not have created a law for this and it was sort of a very strange impasse.

Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: Same-sex marriages where countries where it is legal

Even as the Supreme Court's five-judge Constitution bench refused to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages, there are 34 countries where marriage between same-sex couples is legally performed and recognised with the most recent country being Andorra. Same sex marriage will become legal in the 35th country, Estonia, from the next year.

Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: VHP welcomes SC verdict on same-sex marriages

The Vishva Hindu Parishad welcomed the Supreme Court's refusal to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages and said the court's decision to not give "homosexuals" the right to adopt a child is also a "good step". The Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) reaction came after a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court refused to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages earlier in the day.

Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: Judgement is a diplomatic one: says LGBTQ community member 

"The judgement is a diplomatic one. The court tried to balance things but have to say that this is not what we expected. I got emotional and started crying when CJI started narrating his order initially,"  28-year-old Pranav told CNBC-TV18 outside the court.

"He said everything right, but I understand that there are rules that bind the court also. I am going to focus on the positives and not get anxious because the fight for our rights is long. The fight continues till I am put on the same pedestal as the heterosexual people," they said.

Same-Sex Marriage Verdict LIVE Updates: ‘A small leap, not a giant one,’ says Mumbai-based activist Harish Iyer

Activist Harish Iyer called the Supreme Court’s judgment a small leap not a giant one, but a leap nonetheless.

“CJI and others seemed to be in agreement with our rights and sure will find a way to protect the community. The focus on community safety is a welcome move,” he said. 

‘Happy I can marry my preferred partner but sad for my gay brothers’: Activist Shivali Chhetri

Transwoman Activist Shivali told CNBC-TV18 that she’s happy that she can marry her preferred partner but sad for her gay brothers. 

“We need LGBTQIA representatives in the recommended committees to ensure gays and lesbians get their rights,” she said.