Speaking about the Centre's opposition to the pleas seeking legal validation for same-sex marriage, Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju said the Centre is not against personal freedom and choice of citizens but since the matter involves the institution of marriage, it is a policy matter that merits serious discussion.

"The government is not interfering with the personal life or activities of an individual. Personal freedom or personal activities of citizens are never questioned or disturbed or regulated by the government. However, when the issue concerns the institution of marriage, it is a policy matter that needs serious discussion," news agency ANI quoted Rijiju as saying.

Rijiju made his comments as the Supreme Court, which was hearing a number of petitions requesting that same-sex marriages be legalised, grouped the arguments and forwarded the case to a five-judge Constitution bench on Monday. On April 18, the hearing will get started.

The Centre made its opposition to same-sex unions known in an affidavit it delivered to the Supreme Court on Sunday, arguing that such unions do not match the Indian family's definition.

In the affidavit, the Centre said that the concept of an Indian family involves a biological man and woman and it won’t be possible to change the entire legislative policy of the country that is deeply embedded in religious and societal norms.