The government’s stand is on expected lines considering the political implications of the issue given the strong reservations exhibited by sections of the society.By deciding against taking a position on the issue, the government has, effectively, decided not to oppose the Delhi HC order that leaglaised gay sex and has put the ball in the SC’s court.
However, the government has decided to ask the Attorney General G E Vahanavati to assist the SC in every possible way with the case.“The Union Cabinet today studied the report and has decided that Attorney General to help all possible help of Supreme Court to take a decision on the correctness of High Court’s decision (on Section 377),” said Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni after the Cabinet meeting here today.
Addressing the media persons, Union minister Ambika Soni said attorney general G E Vahanavati would assist the apex court on Section 377 of IPC relating to gay sex.She, however, declined to say anything on more or elaborate on the government’s stand on the issue.
Earlier, official sources had claimed that the three ministries -- Home, Health and Law -- have agreed to the document circulated by the Law Ministry suggesting that the judgement in the Supreme Court should not be opposed.Before finalising the note for the Union Cabinet, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Law Minister M Veerappa Moily had held series of meetings to arrive at a conclusion on the issue.
Delhi High Court in July legalised gay sex among consenting adults, holding that the law – Article 377 - making it a criminal offence violates fundamental rights.Later on August 17, the Supreme Court had sought a response from the government on petitions filed by a Christian body and a disciple of Yoga guru Ramdev seeking a stay on the Delhi High Court verdict legalising gay sex on the ground it will have a catastrophic effect on the society's moral fabric.
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