Supreme Court on Wednesday passed judgement overturning Delhi High Court Judgement declaring that Sec 377 (Which Criminalises Homosexuality) is not unconstitutional. LGBT community which had gathered outside to celebrate favourable judgement was shocked,dismayed and angry. The ballons and placard were repainted in Protest Slogans.Political Parties jumped into fray. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi declared disappointment and promised to overturn the Judgement by either Curative or Review Petition in SC, or Changing the Sec 377 by amending it in Parliament or by Amendment.Other Political parties supported this except SP,which is vehemently opposed to amending it. BJP maintained complete silence.NaMo did not tweet anything about the judgement.They were taken by surprise as they believed-like everyone-that Delhi HC judgement will stand and they will not have to take call. Mr. Chidambaram said that with the judgement India has gone back 200 yrs. But there are certain points which are troubling.
If the Judgement were to be in LGBT community's favour and had opponent mounted similar vociferous protest than we would have told them to respect SC judgement and abide by it.
If SC judgement is to be overturned by Amendment than what is wrong with Rajiv Gandhi overturning SC judgement in Shabano Case ( Remember Muslims were protesting that it was against Islam and Shariat), Govt. bringing new law with retrospective effect in Vodafone case and Govt. passing a 'Nonsense' amendment re Criminals in Public life. If tomorrow aggrieved party mounts huge multi-city protest against SC judgement, will we amend the law? How this support to LGBT cause is not vote bank politics? TOI has hinted as such in it's Editorial,advising Congress to use it to regain foothold in youth voters.
In democracy we are governed by rule of Law. SC is highest judicial authority to interpret/arbitrate law or an Act. If we don't abide by the SC judgement than Democracy cant function. There will be Anarchy.
If Sec#377 is Archaic,please change it by bringing necessary amendment in Parliament,discuss it, and pass it after due deliberation. The argument that some political parties will not allow it to pass,is denying their voters democratic right to influence laws passed by Parliament. Taking shortcut to appear progressive is dangerous for our Democracy.
Disclaimer: I am absolutely comfortable with Homosexuality.I just accept it as sexual preference. I don't believe it is a disease. I dont know there is any cure or it needs curing.I am all for Gays and Lesbians to have live in relationships,get married,adopt children,divorce,face domestic violence and believe that they have equal right to be as miserable as rest of the society.
If the Judgement were to be in LGBT community's favour and had opponent mounted similar vociferous protest than we would have told them to respect SC judgement and abide by it.
If SC judgement is to be overturned by Amendment than what is wrong with Rajiv Gandhi overturning SC judgement in Shabano Case ( Remember Muslims were protesting that it was against Islam and Shariat), Govt. bringing new law with retrospective effect in Vodafone case and Govt. passing a 'Nonsense' amendment re Criminals in Public life. If tomorrow aggrieved party mounts huge multi-city protest against SC judgement, will we amend the law? How this support to LGBT cause is not vote bank politics? TOI has hinted as such in it's Editorial,advising Congress to use it to regain foothold in youth voters.
In democracy we are governed by rule of Law. SC is highest judicial authority to interpret/arbitrate law or an Act. If we don't abide by the SC judgement than Democracy cant function. There will be Anarchy.
If Sec#377 is Archaic,please change it by bringing necessary amendment in Parliament,discuss it, and pass it after due deliberation. The argument that some political parties will not allow it to pass,is denying their voters democratic right to influence laws passed by Parliament. Taking shortcut to appear progressive is dangerous for our Democracy.
Disclaimer: I am absolutely comfortable with Homosexuality.I just accept it as sexual preference. I don't believe it is a disease. I dont know there is any cure or it needs curing.I am all for Gays and Lesbians to have live in relationships,get married,adopt children,divorce,face domestic violence and believe that they have equal right to be as miserable as rest of the society.
