Following is the chronology of events leading up to the Supreme Court’s verdict on Tuesday in which it refused to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages:
* Sep 6, 2018: Constitution bench unanimously decriminalises part of Section 377 of the IPC which criminalises consensual unnatural sex, saying it violated the right to equality.
* Nov 25, 2022: Two gay couples move SC seeking recognition of same-sex marriage under Special Marriage Act.
* SC issues notice to Centre.
* Jan 6, 2023: SC directs transfer of all petitions seeking legal recognition for same-sex marriages pending before different high courts to the apex court. There were 21 petitions on the issue.
* Mar 12: Centre opposes recognition of same-sex marriage in SC.
* Mar 13: SC refers case to Constitution bench.
* Apr 15: SC notifies composition of five-judge bench.
* Apr 18: SC commences hearing arguments.
* May 11: SC reserves verdict.
* Oct 17: SC refuses to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages.
