Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has criticized same-sex marriage and live-in relationships calling it against the rules of Indian society. Gadkari said same-sex marriage will lead to the collapse of the Indian social structure.

During a recent YouTube interview with Samdish Bhatia, Mr Gadkari recalled his visit to the British Parliament, where he was told that the UK’s biggest concern was people choosing live-in relationships over marriage. He asked, "If people don't marry, how will they have children? What will happen to those children? How will not following societal norms affect people?"

The Union Minister further said that society will eventually determine its norms, but highlighted the need to maintain a balanced sex ratio in the country.He added, "If there are 1,500 women and 1,000 men, we may need to consider allowing men to have two wives."

While he rejected the idea of banning divorces in an "ideal India," Mr Gadkari reiterated that "live-in relationships are not good."

His statement comes a year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court declined to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriage but advocated for equal rights for queer individuals. All judges unanimously agreed that it was within Parliament's authority to change the law to recognize such unions.

Supreme Court verdict on same-sex marriage

On October 17, 2023, the Supreme Court of India delivered its verdict on the petitions seeking marriage equality for LGBTQIA+ persons. The 5-Judge Bench ruled that there is no fundamental right to marry and, therefore, the Court could not recognize the right of LGBTQIA+ persons to marry under the Special Marriage Act (SMA).

The Court also stated that same-sex couples do not have the right to form civil unions or adopt children. It further clarified that the power to create legal recognition for such unions lies with Parliament and state legislatures. 
The ruling was condemned by LGBTQIA+ rights activists, who called it "regressive" and believed the Court was influenced by government pressure. However, it was welcomed by several others, including the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association.

As a result of the verdict, LGBTQIA+ individuals remain without legal recognition in key family matters such as succession, inheritance, and hospital visitation rights.