What is "Section 377"? Section 377 refers to 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine. In pic: A participant from the LGBT community, “shackled” by section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, makes a silent appeal to decriminalise homosexuality in India

India's take on Section 377 Gay sex has long been taboo in conservative India, particularly in rural areas where nearly 70 percent of people live, with homophobia widespread. Some still regarding homosexuality as a mental illness. Hindu right-wing groups supportive of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been especially vocal, calling gay relationships a disease and a Western cultural import. Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on petitions filed against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday opined that homosexuality was a danger to national security.

Is 'Section 377' legitimate? Coming from different parts of the country with diverse religion, age, sex and other backgrounds, the petitioners said that section 377 legitimises the stigma associated with sexual orientation and its expression something which is essential, fundamental, intrinsic and innate to an individual. In pic: LGBT community members participate in 'National Coming Out Day' to mark the anniversary of High Court's verdict amending Section 377, in Chennai.

Talks but no action? June is celebrated worldwide as the Pride Month, but the community members and activists feel that the month's significance is limited to marches and panel discussions without any concrete steps on the ground. LGBTQ activist Mohnish Malhotra, who has been organising Pride Parade in the city, said violent incidents against the community members have become a common sight.