The Supreme Court of India is facing criticism on Twitter over the observations made by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud during the hearing of petitions demanding legal recognition of same-sex marriages.
During the hearing, CJI Chandrachud stated that the "notion of a man and a woman is not an absolute based on genitals." He further added, "It is far more complex, that's the point. So, even when the Special Marriage Act says man and woman, the very notion of a man and a woman is not an absolute based on genitals."
Several social media users have criticized the remarks made by the Chief Justice.
One user tweeted, "Since there is no absolute concept of a man or an absolute concept of a woman at all, can a male body imbued by female psychological instincts travel in Ladies Compartment without fear or punishment??"
Another user wrote, "As if the world is short of problems, so now #cjidychandrachud is creating new. What does he have to say about gender-based reservation? Gender-based rituals? Etc., Also, wasn't it #SupremeCourtofIndia that talked about having more WOMEN in the Supreme Court?"
Science died a thousand deaths today. Uselessly tried to define the sex based on genitals for so many years...But here we are! It means there is no exact definition of a male and a female! #SupremeCourt ne kaha hai to thik hi hoga, #cjidychandrachud #RIPScience," another user said.
The five-judge bench on Tuesday affirmed that the issue of same-sex marriage is complex and CJI Chandrachud noted that the "notion of a man and a woman is not an absolute based on genitals."
It is not the question of what your genitals are. It is far more complex, that's the point. So, even when the Special Marriage Act says man and woman, the very notion of a man and a woman is not an absolute based on genitals," CJI Chandrachud said. The bench comprised Justices SK Kaul, SR Bhat, Hima Kohli, and PS Narasimha.
The controversy has sparked a Twitter storm, with many users questioning the Supreme Court's decision to hear pleas concerning legalizing same-sex marriage while dismissing or questioning other national pleas of importance, such as uniform age of marriage, uniform grounds of divorce, grounds of adoption, guardianship, and more.
The case has significant implications for the LGBTQ+ community in India and could pave the way for greater legal recognition and protections for same-sex couples. The Supreme Court is expected to continue hearing the petitions on the legal recognition of same-sex marriages.
