Centre wants states, UTs made parties to the issue

One-liner: The Centre on Wednesday urged the SC that all states and Union Territories be made parties to the proceedings on the pleas seeking legal validation for same-sex marriages.

Legal recognition: The SC is hearing the case for legal recognition of same-sex marriage and is continuing for a second day on Wednesday. 

• A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud is hearing a batch of petitions on the issue 

Seminal issue: The Centre, in an affidavit filed in the apex court, said that it issued a letter on April 18 to all the states inviting comments and views on the seminal issue raised in the pleas.

SG's request: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, requested a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice that states be made parties to the proceedings.

Legislative function: Terming the petitions seeking legal validation of same-sex marriage as one which reflects an urban elitist view, the Centre told the SC that recognition of marriage is essentially a legislative function which the courts should refrain from deciding.