Section 377 of the penal code will apply only to child abuse

THE Delhi High Court has de-criminalized consensual gay sex between adults. In its order passed on June 2, the court said Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, relating to unnatural offences, would now apply only to cases of child abuse and rape.


The court was hearing a 2001 petition filed by the non-profit, Naz Foundation (Trust) India, seeking a humane interpretation of the section. The foundation said the section prevented aids awareness programmes from reaching the high-risk gay community who feared harassment (see