The Delhi High Court verdict decriminalising gay sex among consenting adults was challenged today by a Delhi astrologer in the Supreme Court which issued notice to the Centre but refrained from giving any interim stay order.
Any interim order against the High Court verdict, if necessary, will be considered only after hearing the parties concerned, a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said while posting the matter for hearing on July 20.
Notices were also issued to Naz Foundation, the NGO and other respondents who were parties before the High Court.
In his petition, Suresh Kumar Kaushal sought quashing of the July two High Court judgement legalising gay sex between consenting adults in private, which was earlier a criminal offence punishable with upto life imprisonment.
"If such abnormality is permitted, then tomorrow people might seek permission for having sex with animals," he argued.
Since the High Court verdict, there have been seven gay marriages raising several questions that could impact on the very institution of marriage, he said contending "we have to look at our own scriptures to seek guidance from and they are against such behaviour in our society".
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Law Minister Veerappa Moily when contacted about how the government was proceeding on the issue, told reporters the three-member ministerial group tasked with looking at all aspects of the verdict has not yet prepared its report.
"We are going to give it either orally or in a written form. We have not taken a decision," he said.