As Supreme Court hears pleas seeking legal sanction for same-sex marriages, Union law minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said an important matter like the institution of marriage has to be decided by the people of the country and that courts are not the forum to settle such issues. He, however, clarified that he does not want to make the matter a "government versus judiciary" issue. "It is not. Absolutely not," the minister asserted.

Apparently referring to the Constitution bench of the top court hearing the matter, Rijiju said, "If five wise men decide something which is correct according to them -- I cannot make any kind of adverse comments against them -- But if people do not want it, you cannot impose things on the people..."

Same-sex partners from around the country have approached the Supreme Court with a plea stating that same-sex marriages should be legalised under the Special Marriage Act.

The law minister further said that sensitive and important matters like the institution of marriage must be decided by the country's people.

The Centre on Wednesday requested the apex court to consider leaving questions raised in the pleas seeking legal sanction for same-sex marriages to Parliament.

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud that the court is dealing with a "very complex subject", which has a "profound social impact".