[Same-sex marriage] Centre to file better reply to plea for live-streaming of Delhi High Court proceedings

The Central government told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday that it will file a fresh affidavit on its stand on the issue of live-streaming of the proceedings in the petitions calling for the legalisation of same-sex marriage..The Centre had earlier filed an affidavit stating that the issue of same-sex marriage is not of national importance and the demand for live-streaming of court proceedings in the matter was only to gain sympathy..The petitioners in the case objected to the arguments made in the affidavit, saying that the reply was highly insensitive and demeaned the rights of the same-sex couples. Senior Advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, appearing for one of the petitioners, said that the statements show that the government may agree or disagree with the aspect of live-streaming of the proceedings, but it cannot demean their rights. "They should bear the consequence of making such an affidavit," Kaul demanded. Another counsel demanded that the proceedings should start with an apology. The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla agreed, and advised the government not to bring the affidavit on record. "We advise the government not to place it on record. An affidavit should not come directly from Ministry and be filed. Do not do a mindless exercise on this. Not done.".After this, the government standing counsel said that he will come up with a better reply. .Bar & Bench had reported on Monday that the Central government opposed the live-streaming of the proceedings before the High Court, arguing that the matter is neither one of national importance nor does it affect the majority of the Indian population.The government had contended in the affidavit that the purpose of the applicant in seeking live-streaming is mala fide, as he is “trying to get unnecessary publicity” and wants to invite “unwanted public attention”.The High Court has now listed the case for further hearing on August 20..In the meantime, the government was asked to file a properly-vetted reply. "Mr Kaul submits that the respondents (Centre) has filed a reply making certain objectionable comments. The reply has not been taken on record. Mr Vaidyanathan says he will file a better one. We cannot proceed with the hearing today. The reply duly vetted to be filed before the next date," the Bench noted in its order. .The Delhi High Court is seized of a batch of matters seeking recognition of same-sex marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act. The Central government, in its earlier response, had said that the law recognises marriages only between a biological man and a biological woman. .[Breaking] No fundamental right of same-sex marriage, legal recognition can't be given by court: Central government tells Delhi High Court