SC Decriminalises Homosexuality

• Section 377 has been a reason for much tragedy and anguish
• Bench says history owes the LGBTQ community an apology
• Choice of a partner is part of the fundamental right to privacy

- Krishnadas Rajagopal

In a landmark judgment on Thursday, a five­-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court decriminalised homosexuality, with a prayer to the LGBTQ  community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) to forgive history for subjecting it to “brutal” suppression.

The Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, unanimously held that criminalisation of private consensual sexual conduct between adults of the  same sex under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was clearly unconstitutional. The court, however, held that the Section would apply to “unnatural” sexual acts like bestiality. Sexual act without consent continues to be a crime under Section 377.