Why the Income Tax Department is opposing a same-sex couple’s plea for spousal tax benefits

 A same-sex couple challenges a tax law in Bombay High Court. They seek gift tax exemption currently given to married heterosexual couples. The Income Tax Department opposes the plea, calling it misconceived and technically invalid. The court has set July 30, 2026, for the next hearing. This case questions the tax law’s discriminatory application to same-sex partners. A same-sex couple challenges a tax law in Bombay High Court. They seek gift tax exemption currently given to married heterosexual couples. The Income Tax Department opposes the plea, calling it misconceived and technically invalid. The court has set July 30, 2026, for the next hearing. This case questions the tax law’s discriminatory application to same-sex partners.