Local Round-up: Madras HC’s Declaration on Same-Sex Families to DMRC’s Achievement

From breakthrough metro tunnels and landmark bridges to bold legal recognition of LGBTQ+ families and trans rights, the country also prepares for its long-overdue Census. Meanwhile, COVID-19 case numbers edge upward again, especially in Kerala.

Same-Sex Couples Can Form Families, Declares Madras High Court

In a landmark judgement, the Madras High Court ruled that same-sex couples “can very well form a family,” challenging the heteronormative legal definitions of family structures. Justice GR Swaminathan stated that law must evolve to reflect societal change and individual dignity. Though the Supreme Court has not recognised same-sex marriage, this ruling significantly empowers LGBTQ+ individuals by acknowledging familial rights, signalling a potential shift in Indian legal thinking on queer relationships.

India’s Active COVID Cases Rise Above 6,000, Kerala Reports Highest Surge

India’s active COVID-19 caseload has crossed 6,000, with Kerala contributing the highest number of new infections. Health officials have urged caution amid the onset of monsoon and potential risk of seasonal illnesses. While hospitalisation remains low, authorities have advised booster doses for vulnerable groups and reinstated surveillance measures. Experts say the surge is manageable but signals the need for sustained public health infrastructure. The variant in circulation is reportedly a sub-lineage of Omicron.

Delhi Metro Golden Line Tunnel Breakthrough Marks Engineering Milestone

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation achieved a tunnel breakthrough on the Golden Line's Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor near Delhi Aerocity. Executed with a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), this breakthrough is a key step toward connecting South Delhi and IGI Airport. The corridor aims to decongest traffic, cut travel time, and boost last-mile airport connectivity. Officials say the route is expected to become operational by 2026, as part of Phase IV of Delhi Metro expansion.

Samruddhi Mahamarg Fully Operational, Slashes Mumbai–Nagpur Journey to 8 Hours

The 701-kilometre Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway is now fully functional, reducing travel time between Nagpur and Mumbai to just eight hours. Featuring five tunnels and high-speed corridors, it is one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde called it a “corridor of prosperity,” aimed at enhancing economic activity and freight movement. The expressway also includes emergency support systems and green technology, marking a new era of rapid intra-state travel.

PM Modi Inaugurates Chenab and Anji Bridges, Flags Off Vande Bharat to Srinagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Arch Bridge—the world’s highest railway bridge—and the Anji Khad Bridge, both located in Jammu & Kashmir. He also flagged off the first Vande Bharat train service from Katra to Srinagar. These projects symbolise a historic integration of the Kashmir Valley into India’s railway grid. The bridges are hailed as engineering marvels and are expected to boost regional tourism, military logistics, and economic connectivity.

India’s Long-Pending Census to Be Held in Two Phases, Ending in 2027

After multiple delays, India’s decadal Census is finally set to take place in two phases, with the population snapshot fixed for 1 March 2027. This will be India’s first Census after a 16-year gap, the last being in 2011. Officials say digital enumeration and updated socio-economic indicators will be key features. The delay has had significant implications for policymaking, welfare distribution, and parliamentary seat restructuring. Preparatory fieldwork will begin in late 2025.

Kerala High Court Orders Gender-Inclusive Birth Certificate for Trans Couple’s Child

In a historic decision, the Kerala High Court directed Kozhikode Corporation to issue a gender-inclusive birth certificate for the child of trans couple Zahhad and Ziya Paval. The certificate will list “parents” instead of “father” and “mother,” recognising non-binary and transgender parenthood. This is a legal first in India, with the court emphasising the dignity and equality of queer families. The ruling reinforces Kerala’s progressive stance on gender rights and social justice.