Section 377 Verdict Garners Over 300,000 Tweets; Love Wins, Says Twitter India on SC Judgement

New Delhi, Sep 6: In a historic verdict, the Supreme Court on Thursday partially scrapped Section 377 and decriminalised homosexuality in India. The apex court's verdict on Section 377 garnered over 300,000 tweets with hashtags #Section377 and #LGBTQ in past 12 hours, Twitter India said. The top court partially struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as unconstitutional.

"Over 300,000 tweets discussing #Section377 and #LGBTQ in the past 12 hours and the conversation is still on the rise! Congrats to the #LGBTQ community in India!! #LoveWins," Twitter India said in a tweet. The landmark verdict on Section 377 sparked celebrations amongst the LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, intersex and queer/questioning) community across India.

The Supreme Court said Section 377 will not apply to consensual same-sex acts between homosexuals, heterosexuals, lesbians, clarifying that sexual act without consent and bestiality will continue to be an offence under section 377. Chief Justice Dipak Misra said consensual sex between adults in a private space, which is not harmful to women or children, cannot be denied as it is a matter of individual choice. Subramanian Swamy Calls Homosexuality a Genetic Disorder, Says It Will Give Rise to HIV Cases.

In a concurring judgement, Justice Nariman said homosexuality is "not a mental disorder or disease". Justice Chandrachud said to deny the LGBTIQ community their right to sexual orientation is a denial of their citizenship and a violation of their privacy. Justice Indu Malhotra said that history owes an apology to the LGBTIQ community for all that they have suffered on account of the ignorance of the majority about homosexuality.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2018 08:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).