New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday transferred all petitions pending in front of the High Courts seeking recognition of same-sex marriage in India.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala directed as quoted by Bar and Bench, "Since several batches of petitions are pending before Delhi, Kerala and Gujarat High Courts involving the same question, we are of the view that they should be transferred and decided by this Court. We direct that all writ petitions shall stand transferred to this Court."

The apex court even directed that any petitioner who cannot engage a counsel can appear virtually and advance their submissions.

The matter will be heard on March 13, after written submissions and counters are filed by all parties, reports the news portal.

Meanwhile,  Arundhati Katju has been appointed as the nodal counsel for the petitioners.

On the other hand, Kanu Agrawal will be the nodal counsel for the Central government.