Shashi Tharoor's Private Bill to decriminalise homosexuality and do away with Section 377 was turned down in Lok Sabha. The Congress leader tweeted: "Intro of Pvt.Member's Bill2decriminalize consensual sex btwn consenting adults defeated in LS 71-24. Surprising to see such intolerance.Notice of intent to oppose introducn of Bill came so late there was no time 2rally support. Will try again in future. We shall overcome!"

1/2 Intro of Pvt.Member's Bill2decriminalize consensual sex btwn consenting adults defeated in LS 71-24. Surprising to see such intolerance. — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 18, 2015

2/2 Notice of intent to oppose introducn of Bill came so late there was no time 2rally support. Will try again in future. We shall overcome! December 18, 2015

Earlier, transgender rights activist Laxmi Tripathi told ANI, "Section 377 must be discussed in the Parliament. It should not be considered on morality value, but as a human and constitutional right. Section 377 should be dismissed." Hundreds of gay rights activists on Sunday danced to drum beats and held colourful balloons as they marched in the 'Queer Pride Parade' in Delhi, celebrating the diversity of gender and sexuality.

Speaking at the Times Lit Fest , Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that the apex court should not have reversed the Delhi High Court order de-criminalising consensual sex among homosexuals. "When you have millions of people involved in this (homosexuality) you can't nudge them off," Jaitley said. In December 2013, the Supreme Court had overturned the Delhi High Court's July 2009 judgement, which had declared Section 377 as unconstitutional. The apex court had stated that amending or revoking Section 377 should be a matter left to the Parliament and not the judiciary. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalises homosexual acts, stating it is 'against the order of nature'.