Controversial ruling sees gay sex remain a criminal offence in India

Gay sex remains a criminal offence in India after a controversial ruling today by the republic’s Supreme Court.

Activists had asked for a review of the court’s earlier verdict to reinstate a 153-year-old law that criminalises homosexuality and makes it punishable by up to life imprisonment.

But the court said on Tuesday it would not review its decision, prompting criticism from activists and ministers.

Last December the Supreme Court overturned a 2009 Delhi High Court ruling, which had decriminalised gay sex.

The Delhi court described Section 377 – a law that dates from colonial times – as discriminatory and said sex between consenting adults should not be a crime.

Delhi activist Kavita Krishnan tweeted: “Supreme Court rejects petitions to review Secrion 377. Turns blind eye to its duty to overturn blatantly unconstitutional, shoddy verdict.”