SC directs Centre to provide number of homosexuals in India

New Delhi, Mar 1: Expressing displeasure for not furnishing details of homosexuals' population, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked for all relevant records from the Centre about LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people, including their number and the number of HIV-infected among them.

A bench of justices G S Singhvi and S J Mukhopadhaya said the data, which was put before the Delhi High Court has not been placed here and directed the Centre to provide the entire information on the next date of hearing.

The bench also pulled up the government and its officials for not doing their "homework" in the case.

"You should have done your homework before coming to the court" the bench told an official, appearing in the court. Observing that it was stated in the high court in 2009 that eight per cent of homosexuals were HIV infected, the bench queried about the latest figure on the LGBT population and their numbers inflicted with the deadly infection.

The government, however, contended that there are 23.9 lakh people infected with HIV in the country. The apex court is hearing petitions filed by anti-gay rights activists and also by political, social and religious organisations, which have opposed the high court verdict.

Senior BJP leader B P Singhal has challenged the high court verdict in the Supreme Court saying such acts are illegal, immoral and against ethos of Indian culture. Religious organisations like All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Utkal Christian Council and Apostolic Churches Alliance too have also challenged the judgment.

The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Right, Tamil Nadu Muslim Munn Kazhgam, astrologer Suresh Kumar Kaushal and yoga guru Ramdev too have opposed the verdict.

PTI