PM says court's verdict on Article 377 to be discussed with cabinet

On Board special flight, July 11 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has said the matter related to the Delhi High Court's ruling on gay sex legalization will be discussed with his cabinet colleagues to seek their views in this regard.

Addressing a press conference onboard after attending the G8-G5 Summit at L'Aquila in Italy, Dr. Singh said, "I haven't discussed the matter with my cabinet colleagues. Therefore, when I will go back, I will seek their views as to which anything further needs to be done or said in this regard."

In a landmark verdict on July 2, the Delhi High Court legalized the homosexual behavior of consensual youths, which received a lot of opposition from the religious leaders.

It was earlier a criminal offence under Section 377 of Indian Penal Code (IPC).

On July 9, a two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court comprising Chief Justice K. G. Balkrishnan and Justice P Sathasivam issued notice to the Union Government to explain its stand on a petition challenging the Delhi High Court's ruling.

The apex court posted the matter for hearing on July 20.

The Bench said that any interim order against the High Court verdict, if necessary, would be considered only after hearing the parties concerned.

The Bench also said they would hear the opinions of all the parties concerned before giving any interim order in this matter.

The apex court was hearing a plea filed by Suresh Kumar Kaushal, an astrologer. Notices were also issued to NAZ Foundation, and other respondents who were parties before the Delhi High Court. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)