Marriage must be backed by law which takes into account traditions: Rijiju

Marriage is an institution that has to be regulated by certain laws enacted by parliament which reflects the will of the people, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday, days after the government opposed in the Supreme Court legal validation of same-sex marriage.

"The only issue with the government is marriage is an institution, it has sanctity and it must be backed by law which takes into account our traditions, our ethos, our heritage -- There are so many things in our country," he said at the Lokmat National Conclave here.

He said as a government, "we are not opposed to any kind of activities done by anybody as a citizen. As a citizen, as long as you follow the law of the land, you are free to do whatever you choose to do".

A person of any sex can also choose to lead a particular life which is suitable to him or her, he observed.

"But when you talk about marriage, marriage is an institution. Marital institutions are guided by different specific laws ... When it comes to ...