Is Supreme Court Gay sex verdict progressive?
The Supreme Court upheld the Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code(IPC), 1860, that reads: "Unnatural offenses — 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 … for a term which may extend to 10 years and shall also be liable to fine."
The SC verdict terming the gay sex community as 'criminals' shocked many people belonging to different walk of life in the country. Vociferous protests followed and even several politicians too protested this decision.
This verdict took our country 150 years back into colonial era. It has left many people high and dry who had high expectations from the apex court. With this verdict the Supreme Court has certainly shown a biased approach towards the gay community.
A country which professes every one as equals turned its back towards 10 million people who belong to gay community. The SC ruling has been broken their sentiments, aspirations and above all trust in the country.
A diversified country like India is supposed to accommodate everyone and let them reap the benefits of the national development. The verdict denies the gay community an even share of the Indian pie.
The choice of one's 'lifestyle' is comes under human freedom and no one can take this away right. This verdict has tried to infringe on human freedom and this why it is regressive. Due to this judgment, the gay community in India has now become criminals. This is ludicrous.
India, the home of 1.2 billion people has failed to take into consideration the hopes and aspirations of its 10 million gay population.
Moreover, India being the largest democracy in world has not lived up to the spirits of democracy due to this verdict. Doesn't the gay community deserve to be part of Indian democracy? With the verdict a big question mark has been put on their lives.
Concluding with the lines from poem 'where the mind is without fear' of Rabindra Nath Tagore where noble poet says 'Into that heaven of freedom, my father let my country awake' could be fitting guidance in such a case.
The SC ruling has put gay community back into age of darkness. A progressive approach needs to be taken towards the LGBT community. This unprogressive judgment should be shunned at once.
-Zeeshan Elyas
