Three

Seven Seven

Three seven seven explained:

Chapter XVI, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (1861), introduced during the British rule of India, criminalises sexual activities "against the order of nature", including homosexual acts.

“Article 377. Unnatural offences.—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 fine. Explanation.—Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offence described in this section.”

The section was declared unconstitutional with respect to sex between consenting adults by the High Court of Delhi on 2 July 2009. That judgement was overturned by the Supreme Court of India on 11 December 2013, with the Court holding that amending or repealing Section 377 should be a matter left to Parliament, not the judiciary.

On 28 January 2014, The Supreme Court refused to reconsider its verdict. Now, it is up to the Parliament to pass a law overturning Article 377,reflecting contemporary ideas on the subject of what is "unnatural", taking into consideration societal, cultural and religious points of view, attitudes and understanding.

In this regard I invite you to visit my earlier post, Sexualitybisexuality (click the link), with photographs and a poem concerning the same issue.

You may also look out for the India Today cover story featuring views across the Indian cultural spectrum, with award-winning author Vikram Seth on a stark, startling cover.