Same Sex Marriage- Supreme Court Constitution Bench Hearing- DAY-3 LIVE UPDATES

Ramachandran: The language of this act enacted in 1954 itself is capable of accommodating situations like ours. Because if it is a male-male union or a male-trans male union, then 21 will then refer to them.

Ramachandran (after reading Section 4 of SMA): The words male and female are not suffixed with the word partner or with the word party.

Ramachandran: Unless a protocol is put into place on the lines of the Shaktivahini protocol which your lordships laid down in case of heterosexual couples seeking protection from Khaap panchayata- a similar protocol is imperative.

Ramachandran: Third, I'll provide historical background for notice provisions. I'll show how they're so utterly out of place in today's context.

Ramachandran: First, I am providing another interpretation of Section 4. Second, there is another aspect of 14,21, and 25- which is freedom of conscience - which I will briefly touch up on.

Ramachandran: The recognition of their marriage is an important protection to them.

Ramachandran: Such couples do not have enlightened parents. They don't have understanding families. The two petitioners had to move the Delhi HC for protection orders. 

Ramachandran: That statement was careless, unnecessary, and insensitive. The institution of marriage is not just the gateway to various socio economic rights but it is a societal protection from their own natal, parental families.

Ramachandran: The mere presence of these two petitioners and similar petitioners should put down the glib assumption made in the government's affidavit that they are "urban elite".

Ramachandran: Bhavna works as an accountant in Chandigarh and Kajal works as an assistant in a bakery in Chandigarh. She is the baker whom Justice Vivian Bose had in mind.