Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has voiced his views on live-in relationships and same-sex marriages, terming them as contrary to societal norms and potentially disruptive to the social structure. Speaking on a YouTube podcast, Mr. Gadkari shared his observations from a visit to the British Parliament, where he was informed about the UK’s struggles with a growing preference for live-in relationships over traditional marriage.
He questioned the implications of such choices, asking, “If you don’t marry, how will you have children? What will be the future of such children? If you go against societal norms, what impact will it have on people?” Mr. Gadkari added that while society itself ultimately sets its rules, a balanced sex ratio remains critical for any country’s stability. In a controversial remark, he suggested, “If there are 1,500 women and 1,000 men, we may have to allow men to have two wives.”
While dismissing the idea of banning divorces, Mr. Gadkari reaffirmed his stance, saying, “Live-in relationships are not good for society.” His comments come in the backdrop of ongoing discussions around same-sex marriages in India. A year ago, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court declined to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages but emphasized the need for equal rights for queer individuals. The court unanimously left the matter of legalizing such unions to Parliament.
In 2018, the Supreme Court had already made strides toward LGBTQ+ rights by partially striking down Section 377, a colonial-era law that criminalized consensual same-sex relationships. While progressive judgments have paved the way for dialogue, Gadkari’s remarks reflect ongoing societal divides over these issues.
The minister’s statements have sparked widespread reactions, with some calling for a more inclusive perspective and others supporting his views on preserving traditional societal values. As the debate continues, India finds itself at a crossroads between modernity and tradition.
