New Delhi: The Supreme Court's decision to reconsider and examine revisit its 2013 verdict that criminalised homosexuality in India was welcomed by people; LGBTQ activists as well as political parties.
An LGBTQ activist said they still have hope in the judicial system.
"We still have hope from Indian judiciary. We are living in 21st century. All politicians and political parties must break their silence and support individual's sexuality," Akkai, LGBTQ activist said.
Congress too welcomed the decision of the apex court on Monday. All India Mahila Congress President Sushmita Dev said, "Congress welcomes Supreme Court's decision. Everybody has equal right to live life the way they want."
A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India, on Monday said it would reconsider and examine the constitutional validity of section 377.
The apex court also issued notice to the Centre seeking response on a writ petition filed by five members of LGBTQ community, who say they live in fear of police because of their natural sexual preferences.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud said the issue arising out of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) required to be debated upon by a larger bench.
Section 377 of the IPC refers to 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.
The bench was hearing a fresh plea filed by one Navtej Singh Johar seeking to declare section 377 as unconstitutional to the extent that it provides prosecution of adults for indulging in consensual gay sex.
