No data to back Centre's 'urban elitist' argument: Chief Justice on same-sex marriage

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said the government does not have any data to show that same-sex marriage is an urban elitist concept. The apex court's remarks came in response to Centre calling same-sex marriages an 'urban elitist concept'

Hearing on the bunch of pleas seeking legal validation for gay marriages in India continues for the second consecutive day.

The Bar and Bench quoted the CJI DY Chandrachud as saying, "State cannot discriminate against an individual on the basis of a characteristic over which the individual does not have control. When you see it as innate characteristics then it counters urban elitist concept.. urban perhaps because more people are coming out of the closet. Government does not have any data also to show that same sex marriage is an urban elitist concept.

The Centre had urged the Supreme Court to dismiss all petitions seeking its legal recognition on Sunday.