Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a colonial-era law, criminalized "unnatural offenses," including consensual same-sex relationships. However, in a historic judgment on September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India decriminalized consensual homosexual acts between adults, marking a significant step towards LGBTQ+ rights.
The verdict emphasized the fundamental rights to equality, dignity, and privacy, affirming that love and personal choice should not be subject to criminal prosecution. This ruling has been celebrated as a milestone in India's journey toward inclusivity and human rights.
