Intervenor Before Constitution Bench Seeks CJI Chandrachud's Recusal From Hearing Same-Sex Marriage Cases

The Supreme Court today rejected an application by one Anson Thomas seeking the recusal of the Chief Justice of India from adjudicating the matter pertaining to the recognition of Same-Sex marriage. The applicant appeared online when the CJI asked if anyone else wants to make submissions, after the arguments on behalf of the respondents were concluded and the Solicitor General was about to begin his concluding remarks.

The Constitution bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Justice S Ravindra Bhat, Justice Hima Kohli and Justice PS Narasimha was considering the submissions by intervenors opposing recognition of Same-Sex marriage.

When Anson Thomas mentioned his name as a person wanting to make submissions, the CJI asked him what he has to say. "My letter to the Hon'ble Chief Justice on 13 March and also on 17th April that the Chief Justice of India should recuse in this particular matter, kindly take it on record" submitted Anson Thomas.

The CJI immediately responded, "Thank you Mr. Thomas, the application is rejected."

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was quick to add that "I would object, but leave it at that milord, please ignore. Since he has made the submissions I officially object to this".

During the course of the hearing today, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, Senior Advocates Maninder Singh, Atmaram Nadkarni, Manisha Lavkumar and Advocate J. Sai Deepak, among others made submissions opposing pleas seeking recognition of Same-Sex marriage.