Kendrapara: Two women here have decided to become life partners and spend their lives together.
A 27-year-old woman of Tantiapalii in Mahakalapada block and a 28-year-old woman of Srirampur in Pattamundai block Saturday formalised their same-sex relationship before a Notary Public in Kendrapara.
They have also vowed through an affidavit to remain companions and partners till they die. They also said that they would not seek legal aid if any problem arises in their relationship.
Sources said the women were studying in the same college, and after completing studies they joined a Cuttack–based company and stayed in a rented house. During their stay in Cuttack they both developed intimacy. The families of the women tried to separate them but in vain.
Last September, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court decriminalised gay sex and partly struck down Section 377 as it violated the Right to Equality. Encouraged by this judgement the two decided to ‘marry,’ and spend their life with each other.
“We decided to live with each other. We came to solemnise our same-sex relationship at the Notary Public’s office. We also signed an agreement to remain partners at the Notary’s Court through an affidavit,” the women said.
Even though India does not have a law on same sex marriages, the two have a legal right to live with each other as the Supreme Court has partly struck down Section 377 of IPC, said Bhimasen Bhuiyan, Public Prosecutor of the District Sessions Court.
Meanwhile, the father of one of the women lodged a complaint at Pattamundai police station alleging that his daughter was hypnotised by the other woman. The woman forcibly took his daughter with the help of black magic, the complainant stated.
IIC Pramod Mallick said the police are going to investigate the matter.
PNN
