Plea filed in SC seeking review of Oct 17 verdict in Same-Sex Marriage case

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court on Wednesday seeking a review of its October 17 verdict, which refused to recognize same-sex marriage. The review plea by one of the petitioners, Udit Sood has been filed with the apex court registry. On October 17 A five-judge constitution bench refused to accord legal recognition to same-sex marriage, saying there was “no unqualified right” to marriage except those that are recognised by law. The Petitioner argues that there should be legal recognition for same-sex marriage and adoption rights for queer couples. The court had previously ruled that while same-sex marriage would not be recognized, steps should be taken to prevent discrimination against the queer community based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. However, by a majority of 3:2, the top court held that the queer couples do not have the right of adoption. In his verdict, the CJI passed a slew of directions to the Centre, states and Union Territories to ensure that the queer community is not discriminated against because of their gender identity or sexual orientation and also to take steps to sensitise the public about queer identity, including that it is natural and not a mental disorder.