‘If two people want a same-sex marriage, why should anyone object?’

The religious ceremony uniting Dimple and Manisha in same-sex matrimony took place at a Bathinda Gurdwara on September 18. It was a momentous occasion, with the families of both partners in attendance. In a nod to tradition, Dimple assumed the role of the groom, while Manisha took on the part of the bride. The pair conducted the religious rites in the manner of a traditional Sikh couple.

However, their union soon became a subject of controversy when political parties began objecting to it. Finally on Monday, Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, blacklisted the priests who had officiated the ceremony. This incident, occurring just last month, added to the ongoing debate around same-sex marriage in India.

Priti Rani, in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s verdict on same-sex marriage, expressed her concerns: “I am still not able to properly understand the verdict of the Supreme Court. I have called a few journalists who covered our daughter’s marriage. But I am very clear that there should be a proper law for same-sex marriage.” The Supreme Court has now deferred the decision to the Parliament.

After both girls decided to marry, Dimple urged her parents to take the first step and propose the marriage to Manisha’s family. Dimple, their only child, always had a tomboyish style, sporting a short haircut. At her marriage, she donned a turban like a Sikh groom while Manisha dressed up as a Punjabi bride.

A month into their marriage, Rani, Manisha’s mother, commented, “I am content with how society has responded to our daughter’s marriage. People shouldn’t interfere in others’ choices. While a few made negative remarks, I dealt with them in my own way. I’m very open-minded.”

Dimple and Manisha’s marriage wasn’t just a same-sex union; it also crossed caste boundaries. Dimple came from an upper-caste Jat Sikh family, while Manisha hailed from a Dalit family. Yet, their love conquered all obstacles.

Dimple’s first girlfriend was a mutual friend of Manisha and herself. Manisha and Dimple grew closer after her breakup with her girlfriend. Currently, they live as a couple and work in Zirakpur.

Manisha’s mother, Rani, shared, “I first learned about same-sex marriages about two years ago when one took place in Jalandhar. I have four children- three daughters and a son. My elder daughter and Manisha are now married. The two younger ones are unmarried.”

In an interview shortly after their marriage, Dimple said, “I was never comfortable with the idea of marrying a man. I always had feelings for women. Initially, my parents were hesitant, but they eventually agreed. In 2017, I found a job in Zirakpur, where I made friends who understood my feelings. I also educated myself by watching informative videos on YouTube.”

Rani added, “All my children share everything with me. Manisha had confided in me since her school days that she didn’t feel comfortable with boys. So when I learned about a same-sex marriage in Jalandhar, it wasn’t a surprise. I’m happy that Manisha found her dream partner.”

Rani says relatives and friends have been supportive after the marriage.”A few people in our neighbourhood made some snide remarks, but I handled these my way. I took Dimple and Manisha to a religious ceremony for Ganesh Chaturthi in our locality to show our support. I wanted to make it clear that I stand by them.”

She continued, “My husband works in construction. We both wanted our child to be happy, so we supported her. My son-in-law is also very supportive. We don’t care about anyone’s opinion. Our children are right, and we stand with them. There should be a law for same-sex marriage. Children should be allowed to make this choice.”

Speaking to the Indian Express, Priest Hardev Singh, who had been blacklisted by the Akal Takht for solemnising this marriage, said that he didn’t realise Dimple was a girl as she was dressed as a Sikh groom. However, Dimple says she had informed the priests that it would be a same-sex marriage, and they allowed it after discussing with others at the Gurudwara.