LGBTQ+ Community Lauds SC’s Landmark Judgment On Sec 377

Members of the LGBTQ+ community shed tears of joy following the SC verdict decriminalising homosexual relations.

Celebrations erupt across the country after the Section 377 verdict

(Photo: PTI)

Video: Abhishek Sharma

Celebrations erupt across the nation as members of the LGBTQ+ community shed tears of joy following the Apex Court’s pathbreaking verdict decriminalising homosexual relations.

In a landmark judgment, the five-judge bench of the Supreme Court unanimously, on 6 September, partially struck down the British-era law which criminalised consensual homosexual sex in India.

While reading his judgment on Section 377 of the IPC, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra noted, “I am what I am. So take me as I am. No one can escape from their individuality”.

I would like to congratulate my LGBT brethren for finally having the most basic right to make love passed.  

Navin Noronho, Gay Standup Comedian

‘Supreme Court Has Validated Our Existence’

Justice DY Chandrachud observed that gays, lesbians, bi-sexual and transgenders have equal rights as other citizens.

“This case is much more than just decriminalising a provision. It is about an aspiration to realise constitutional rights and equal existence of LGBT community as other citizens,” observed Justice Chandrachud.

He noted, “Human sexuality cannot be confined to a binary.”

LGBTQ+ community has lauded the Apex Court’s verdict acknowledging their right to live and love.

Extremely excited about the SC verdict. We have been validated. The Supreme Court has finally said that we do exist and our rights matter. It couldn’t be better than this. I hope that this will be a pathway for even better days for the LGBTQIA community. Gay Hind!  

Anwesh Kumar Sahoo, Mr Gay World India 2016

‘To Love And To Freedom’

The last judge pronouncing the judgment, Justice Indu Malhotra observed, “History owes an apology to members of LGBT community and their family members for ostracisation and persecution they faced because of society's ignorance that homosexuality is a natural trait, its penal suppression infringes a host of fundamental rights.”

If the verdict had come 10 years ago, so many lives could have been saved. So many of my friends would have been here .To their lives, to our lives, to love and to freedom.  

Devika, Member, LGBTQ+ community

‘Grateful To All The Petitioners’

CJI Dipak Misra while reading his and Justice Khanwilkar’s judgment observed, “Section 377 has been partially struck down. The law will no longer apply to consensual same-sex acts between homosexuals, heterosexuals, lesbians but will still apply to bestiality and sexual acts without consent by one of them.”

I can’t express my feelings in words. I am grateful to all the petitioners who signed the petitions and gave voices to so many people in India. Finally, Sec 377 has been scrapped.  

Prateek Sachdev, Activist

'We Have a Long Battle Ahead'

Justice RF Nariman observed that homosexuality cannot be regarded as a mental disorder.

Nariman's judgment includes a declaration against discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. He noted that the government must take active steps to disseminate the judgment and create awareness against prejudice. Moreover, he noted that government officials will also receive sensitisation.

It’s going to open many other doors. It’s going to talk to about mental health issues. It’s going to talk about subjugation and torture that kids from this community face. It’s going to open doors to insurance and inheritence.

Keshav Suri, LGBTQ+ Activist