Strike down 377: Here’s a timeline of the struggle to decriminalise same-sex love in India

Categorised as an unnatural offence, consensual sexual intercourse between persons of same-sex is termed ‘against the order of nature’ under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and can be punishable by life imprisonment.

The Constitution Bench of Supreme Court on Tuesday begun hearing petitions challenging section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises homosexuality. Categorised as an unnatural offence, consensual sexual intercourse between persons of same-sex is termed ‘against the order of nature’ under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and can be punishable by life imprisonment.

A participant stands behind a rainbow flag during a gay pride parade promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in Chennai on June 24, 2018. (REUTERS)

Here is a timeline of the long battle to strike down the British-era law.

(With inputs from agencies)