Section 377: SC to Deliver Verdict on Decriminalizing Gay Sex Tomorrow

Section 377: SC to Deliver Verdict on Decriminalizing Gay Sex Tomorrow

The Supreme Court is most likely to deliver its much-awaited verdict on a group of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of section 377 of the IPC which criminalizes consensual gay sex. The Supreme Court would decide if homosexuality should be a crime in India or not.

It is a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had reserved its verdict on July 17 after hearing various stakeholders, including gay rights activists.

Earlier the Supreme court has sought adjournment for filing its response to the petitions.

Also Read: Discrimination against gays will go if criminality of section 377 is removed: SC

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) refers to ‘unnatural offences’. It also says that whoever engages in consensual intercourse which is “against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal” shall be punished with either life imprisonment or a term extending up to 10 years and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

-PTC NEWS