Allahabad HC rejects 2 women's plea to recognise their 'marriage'
Allahabad (PTI): A plea by two women to recognise their "marriage" on the argument that such union was not "opposed" by the Hindu Marriage Act has been rejected by the Allahabad High Court.
Opposing their plea, the Uttar Pradesh government's counsel opined that same-sex marriage was against Indian culture and Indic religions, and was invalid under Indian laws.
A Habeas Corpus plea was filed by Anju Devi seeking the custody of her 23-year-old daughter who, she alleged, was illegally detained by a 22-year-old woman.
On April 6, the court directed the state government counsel to ensure the presence of both the women during the hearing the next day.
The two women presented themselves in the court of Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav on April 7. They told the court that they got "married" to each other and pleaded that the union be recognised.
The women contended that the Hindu Marriage Act talks about the marriage of two people and homosexual marriage has not been opposed by the legislation.
However, the state government counsel said, "In Hindu culture, marriage is one of the 'sanskar' and can be performed between a man and a woman.
"Our country runs according to the Indian culture, religions, and Indian law. In India, marriage is considered a sacred 'sanskar', whereas in other countries, marriage is a contract," the counsel said.
The court rejected the women's request and also disposed of the mother's habeas corpus plea.
The Union government has opposed same-sex marriage on the ground that marriage in India is not just a union of two individuals but an institution between biological man and woman.
It also said that judicial interference will cause "complete havoc with the delicate balance of personal laws".
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Court extends interim anticipatory bail granted to HD Revanna till May 20
Bengaluru, May 17: A court here on Friday extended the interim anticipatory bail granted to JD(S) MLA and former Karnataka Minister H D Revanna in a sexual harassment case till May 20, while reserving orders on his anticipatory bail plea till then.
The 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court (ACMM) had earlier heard the matter on Thursday, and had given the 66-year-old interim relief till today.
The sexual harassment case registered against Revanna and his son and MP Prajwal Revanna at Holenarsipur town police station on April 28 pertains to alleged sexual harassment of a 47-year-old house help.
Prajwal reportedly left for Germany on April 27 and is still at large.
The complainant had claimed that the father and son had sexually harassed her at the MLA's residence.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) which is probing the alleged sexual abuse charges against Prajwal and related cases, had sought custody of the former Minister.
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Revanna's advocates sought anticipatory bail in the case.
SIT had sent two notices to Revanna, son of JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, and Prajwal to appear before them for questioning in the case but both of them skipped it.
On Thursday, Revanna applied for anticipatory bail and SIT objected to this and sought either SIT or judicial custody. The court, after hearing both sides, decided to hear the matter again on Friday and till then gave relief to Revanna.
The court resumed the hearing today and, after hearing both sides, reserved order on the bail plea for Monday, and extended interim bail till then.
A Special Court for Elected Representatives on Monday granted bail to Revanna in connection with a kidnap case.
He was arrested by SIT on May 4 in an alleged case of abduction of a woman, linked to the allegations of sexual abuse of women by Prajwal.
The 33-year-old Prajwal is facing charges of multiple instances of sexually abusing women. The scandal has raised a political storm with the ruling Congress and BJP-JD(S) engaged in a slugfest.
An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued against Prajwal in an effort to bring him back.
He was BJP-JD(S) alliance's joint candidate from Hassan Lok Sabha segment, which went to polls on April 26.
