'Gays in, yoke of colonialism out'

Now, gays are free from Section 377 - introduced during British Rule. The judgment is a historic moment for India, says lead counsel Anand Grover

Now, gays are free from Section 377 introduced during British Rule. The judgment is a historic moment for India, says lead counsel Anand Grover

As Delhi High Court announced that gay sex between consenting adults was not a crime, Anand Grover, lawyer for Naz Foundation, the Delhi-based NGO that had filed a petition in court against Section 377 that criminalises homosexuality, was flooded with calls in Geneva.

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Grover, who is in the Swiss city for a UN project on health issues, said, "With this judgement, one of the last yokes of colonialism the British had introduced this IPC section around 150 years ago has gone.

July 2, 2009 is a historic day not just for India, but South Asia as well."

Grover added, "I was the lead counsel for the case and we had been fighting in the court since 2000.

There were ups and downs all through; the matter went from one bench to another.
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We knew that things were going to be difficult, but I'm happy with the court decision.

In fact, I cannot express my joy. The judges have shown great sensitivity. I was always confident that this day would come. I do not go to court to lose."

Also, according to Grover, this decision will alter how the police treat gays.
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"The harassment will stop and they won't be able to blackmail gays."

It will also impact the Mumbai gay pride march, slated for August. Last year's march took place on August 16.
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It came a day after Independence Day, with the focus being: freedom from Section 377.

This time, Grover added, "The march will be held in a spirit of celebration."