Justice Sanjeev Khanna today recused himself from hearing a review petition on same-sex marriage, leading to the reconstitution of a five-judge constitutional bench by CJI DY Chandrachud. The Supreme Court deferred the hearing, and it was clarified that review petitions are decided in chambers, with no open court hearing. The original judgment denied marriage rights to queer couples.
The Supreme Court will review 13 petitions challenging the 2023 verdict on same-sex marriage in India. A specially constituted five-judge bench, including Chief Justice Chandrachud, will consider the petitions. The review aims for a more inclusive interpretation of marriage laws to encompass same-sex couples. Justices Khanna and Nagarathna have replaced retired Justices Kaul and Bhat.
The Calcutta High Court has instructed the West Bengal government to implement a one percent reservation for transgender persons in all public employment within the state. This comes in response to a petition by a transgender individual who passed the Teachers’ Eligibility Test but was not called for counseling or an interview. The directive aligns with the Supreme Court’s recognition of transgender rights and the need for equal opportunities.
