Nitin Gadkari criticises live-in relationships and same-sex marriages, "against societal norms"

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed strong opposition to live-in relationships and same-sex marriages, stating that they go against societal norms and could undermine the social structure.

Speaking during a podcast on YouTube, Gadkari shared his concerns about the potential consequences of such relationships on society.

Recalling a visit to the British Parliament, Gadkari noted that lawmakers in the UK identified live-in relationships as a significant issue, impacting marriage rates and family dynamics. He questioned the societal implications of opting out of marriage, asking, "If you don't marry, how will you have children? What will be the future of such children? If you go against the societal structure, what impact will it have on people?"

Gadkari emphasized the need to maintain a balanced sex ratio in India and suggested that societal norms would ultimately determine acceptable practices. He controversially remarked that an imbalanced ratio might even require drastic measures, such as allowing men to have multiple wives.

While he opposed live-in relationships, Gadkari denied the necessity of banning divorces, suggesting that an "ideal India" would uphold traditional values without such measures.

His comments come in the context of ongoing debates around LGBTQ+ rights in India. In 2023, a five-judge Supreme Court bench declined to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages, leaving the decision to Parliament, but stressed the importance of equal rights for queer individuals. Earlier, in 2018, the court had struck down parts of Section 377, decriminalising consensual same-sex relationships.