New Delhi, August 5: The government has revealed that the high-powered committee established to address issues related to same-sex couples has convened only twice so far. No recommendations or reports have been submitted yet. This information came to light in response to a question posed by Congress MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor in the Lok Sabha.
In the response received by Tharoor on Tuesday, it was stated that this committee was formed following the Supreme Court’s ruling in the ‘Supriyo case.’ It was also mentioned that the last meeting of this panel took place over two years ago.
Reacting to this response on social media on Wednesday, Tharoor stated, “The government’s reply highlights the complete failure of the high-powered committee formed after the Supreme Court’s Supriyo decision. More importantly, it shows the government’s utter lack of political will to ensure meaningful rights for our fellow citizens in the LGBTQIA+ community and to address the concerns of same-sex couples. Despite being established for over two years, the committee has only met twice, with its last meeting occurring more than two years ago, and it has yet to provide a single recommendation or report.”
He further emphasized, “The interim measures from the government cannot substitute for meaningful legal reforms. Advisory measures do not equate to rights. They do not guarantee access to housing, employment, healthcare, inheritance, joint financial benefits, recognition of nearest relatives, medical decision-making, or equal access to public services. If the government believes that we should wait for the committee’s recommendations on these issues, it must explain why the committee has been nearly inactive for over two years.”
Tharoor questioned, “One might wonder if the committee was merely established to appease the court, with no real intention to advance its work. Unfortunately, the government’s own response suggests just that.”
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