The much-debated Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code not only denied gays and lesbians their 'rights', but led to exploitation, say legal experts.

Interestingly, not many cases were registered under the 'draconian' law. Instead, it was the threaten-and-torture practice of the police that made it the monster that it was. "It is a very notorious section, but not many cases were documented under it.

The cops misused it, and even heterosexuals suffered," said advocate Aditya Bandopadhyay, citing an incident where a 'straight' man was raped by seven cops in Delhi, only because he looked 'girlish.' "When the victim tried to lodge an FIR, he was threatened that he will be booked under Section 377," said Bandopadhyay.

According to Amit Narrain of Alternate Law Forum, "Not more than 10-15 cases were registered in the past decade."