Same-sex marriages: SC rejects plea seeking Chief Justice's recusal
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New Delhi: An application requesting the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to recuse from hearing the pleas relating validation of same-sex marriages was rejected by the Supreme Court on Wednesday.
A five-judge Constitution bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud was hearing pleas on validating same-sex marriages for the ninth day, PTI reported.
The applicant, Anson Thomas, had virtually appeared and referred to his letters sent to the CJI on March 13 and April 17. He said that Justice Chadnrachud should recuse himself from hearing the matter.
"Thank you, Mr Thomas, application rejected," said the CJI, who was heading the bench, which also comprised justices SK Kaul, SR Bhat, Hima Kohli and PS Narasimha.
Further, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also objected to the submissions made to seek the recusal of the Chief Justice of India.
"I have an objection to this (seeking recusal of CJI), leave it at that, my lords...," Mr Mehta said, adding, "I object since he has made these submissions." The hearing in the matter is underway, PTI reports.
In April last, the CJI headed bench told the Centre on Thursday it must provide a way for same-sex couples to have their basic social rights, such as opening bank accounts or nominating partners in insurance policies.
CJI then asked the Centre then, "We take your point that if we enter this arena, this will be an arena of the legislature. So, now what? What does the government want to do with 'cohabitory' relations? And how a sense of security and social welfare is made? And to ensure that such relations are not ostracised?"