Successive governments have defended the archaic Section 377 of the IPC, which is based on 19th century Victorian morality. But the intense debate in society and the media in recent times may have forced the political class to change its stance. Image by Arun Sharma/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Activists like Ashok Row Kavi (seen here, above), LGBT rights activist and founder of Humsafar Trust have fought for decades for the rights of the LGBT community. He said "we have finally got justice. We are finally 'azaad in azad Hind'". Image by Hari Mahidhar/ Shutterstock
There have been many positive developments in favour of the LGBT community on the international front. In May 2015, Ireland legalised same-sex marriages, becoming the first country to allow same sex marriage at a national level by popular vote. In June 2015, the US Supreme Court ruled that same sex marriages to be legal. France, UK, Canada, US, Australia and Brazil have de-criminalised homosexuality. Other countries like Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal,South Africa, Spain, Sweden and Uruguay allow either same sex marriage or a civil union. Image by Arijit Sen / Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Near home, Nepal legalised homosexuality in 2007 and the new Constitution of the country also gives many rights to the LGBT community. India, with its historic decision, parts with countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Mauritania, Qatar and Pakistan which still criminalises homosexuality. Image by Himanshu Vyas / Hindustan Times via Getty Images
