Chennai: In a landmark judgment, the Supreme court on Thursday quashed the archaic Section 377 of the Indian Penal code (IPC) which criminalised unnatural sex.
Petitioners in the case described the verdict as an “emotional moment” for those who identify as gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual in India. The LGBTQI community in Chennai is over the moon and Deccan Chronicle gauged their pulse.
“Today is a great day, a great beginning for us,” said Jaya, general manager of Sahodaran, a non-governmental organisation based in Chennai working towards sexual health. Several of us were especially touched when Justice Indu Malhotra read her judgment in which she said, “History owes the community an apology.”
Gautam Yadav, gay rights activist, appreciated Justice Malhotra and the entire bench, saying that it was a huge statement. “This is a very truthful judgment given. It was positive and emotional. The judgment shows that it is never too late. Now, we have to look into marriage rights.” he said.
The Chennai community, although celebratory, is also looking forward to what is to come. “This is just the beginning, making sure there is better acceptance, in schools, the workplace, ensuring that healthcare facilities are provided accordingly, are all the next step,” says Dr L. Ramakrishnan, vice president of SAATHI, who was in Delhi on Thursday.
V. Suresh of People's Union for Civil Liberties agrees, although saying that the judgment came 157 years late. “It is definitely a welcome judgment, but it is only a basis to bring about a larger mindset of natural acceptance.” Being LGBTQI+ is not a disease or a mental condition to be cured, he stressed, adding that the judgment is only a basis for expanding civic sensibilities.
Menaka Guruswamy, a Supreme court lawyer who represented multiple petitioners in the case against Section 377, said that her motivation as the twinkle in their eyes, in expectation of their lives to come. “This is what India felt like many monsoons ago in 1947 when it made its tryst with destiny,” she wrote.
