On July 10, as India’s Supreme Court was engrossed in a pivotal review petition concerning marriage equality, an unexpected twist unfolded.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the court’s most senior judge, made the surprising decision to recuse himself from considering the pleas.
This unforeseen development added a dramatic layer to a historic and closely watched judicial review. The pleas seek a review of the Supreme Court’s ruling from last year that declined to legally recognize same-sex marriage.
Reports indicate Khanna cited personal reasons for his recusal, adding a layer of intrigue to the already high-stakes proceeding.