Homosexuality has been a topic of debate for a very long time. Different countries have a different stand on the issue. With the ongoing hustle around the article. News channels and newspapers are filled with this kind of news. Many people support this and many oppose, there are many NGO’s supporting and fighting for the rights of homosexual people. People are hoping for the decision to be in their favour this time so that they can get equal rights.
The Section 377 dates back to 1861. It was introduced during the British rule of India and criminalised sexual activities against the order of nature.
Here is everything you need to know about Article 377-
What is Section 377?
Section 377 of IPC(Indian Penal Code) criminalises homosexuality. It states that whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment and is also liable to be fined.
Timeline of Section 377-
2001- It all started when an NGO filed a PIL Delhi High Court for legislation of gay sex.
2004- This PIL was dismissed by the High court. Many social activities were held by the LGBT community. Then people moved to Supreme court against the high court order.
2006- Supreme court asked the High court to reconsider.
2009- High court allows the plea of LGBT activists. Homosexuality was legalised.
2013- Supreme court overruled the high court’s decision and homosexuality was once again criminalised.
This was considered a major setback by the LGBT community to human rights.
2018- The case is transferred to the bench of 5 judges of the supreme court headed by CJI Dipak Misra.
The verdict-
The 5-judge constitutional bench assembled today at 11:30 AM and pronounced judgement on the constitutional validity of Section 377 of the IPC.
CJI Dipak Misra spoke about the importance of individual identity with dignity and equality for all without any discrimination. CJI says autonomy, intimacy and identity of an individual are to be protected. He says that the LGBT community has the same fundamental rights as citizens.
This is a welcome change for our country. This is proof that our country truly has started upholding rights of every individual. Hope other things also change for the betterment of India.
What Twitter has to say?
So pleased to learn that the SupremeCourt has ruled against criminalising sexual acts in private. This decision vindicates my stand on Section 377& on exactly the same grounds of privacy, dignity &constitutional freedoms. It shames those BJP MPs who vociferously opposed me in LS.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 6, 2018
Feels like the 21st century.
Love conquers all.Homosexuality not a crime in India anymore: SC abolishes Section 377 https://t.co/nq9LbzFx3V
-via @inshorts— Shruti Seth (@SethShruti) September 6, 2018
Take me as I am says the Chief Justice pronouncing his order on #Section377 . Is this the most beautiful, romantic judgdement ever delivered 🙂
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) September 6, 2018
The top court says consensual sex between adults in private space, which is not harmful to women or children, cannot be denied as it is a matter of individual choice. The apex court partially strikes down #Section377
FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/epFDauFcr4
— Times of India (@timesofindia) September 6, 2018
Sanity prevails for once we can believe we have some sensible decision makers and lawmaker s available to this generation. #Section377 gone with the wind.
— Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) September 6, 2018
India is a country where the culture changes every 100km. Accepting diversity has to be the core value of every Indian and frankly is the only way India will survive and thrive. Scrapping #Section377 is a step in that direction. It is a good day for India.
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) September 6, 2018
Historic Judgment by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. An archaic 156 year old #Section377 makes way for Fundamental Rights of LGBT community
Proud of our Supreme Court
“We have to vanquish prejudice, embrace inclusion, and ensure equal rights”- CJI Misra’s judgment #Section377 #LGBT pic.twitter.com/jeTajxZmGG
— Gaurav Bhatia (@gauravbh) September 6, 2018
Raise your hands if you’re tearing up while writing copy and reading the Supreme Court’s tweets ?? #Section377 pic.twitter.com/kYTyq1ELqJ
— Nishita Jha (@NishSwish) September 6, 2018
In a landmark judgement, after months of deliberations, the Supreme Court struck down the Section 377 of the IPC which criminalised homosexuality
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/PXljUL6fLY pic.twitter.com/RFxciI1dGl
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) September 6, 2018
“Denial of Self-Expression is Like Death”- says CJI Dipak Misra while reading out the judgment that ends #Section377. Listen to those words carefully – court championing of individual liberty is a pointer to India’s battle for other critical freedoms as well #Section377Verdict
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) September 6, 2018
Finally! The rainbow rises ?️?. Finally we have managed to turn around a regressive law that didn’t even acknowledge the existence of an entire community. Big big day for India. Congratulations to all of us!! Bye bye #Section377
— Hasiba ? (@HasibaAmin) September 6, 2018
Historical judgment!!!! So proud today! Decriminalising homosexuality and abolishing #Section377 is a huge thumbs up for humanity and equal rights! The country gets its oxygen back! ????????? pic.twitter.com/ZOXwKmKDp5
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) September 6, 2018
#Section377 Chief Justice: Section 377 can’t punish gay sex between consenting adults. 5 judge bench strikes down criminalisation @CNBCTV18Live @CNBCTV18News
— Shereen Bhan (@ShereenBhan) September 6, 2018
I feel so peculiar this morning. Like I have taken some naturalization test, and appeared respectable enough to be deemed a citizen. Whatever happens – let’s hope it is done with. #Section377
— AKD (@TheHoleyBibli) September 6, 2018
India’s Supreme Court has struck down a law which made gay sex a criminal offence. #Section377 https://t.co/Nmyzb1htF5
— Twitter Moments India (@MomentsIndia) September 6, 2018
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