NCP’s Sule’s remarks stood out: “The court has given its verdict and I think we all should welcome it. These are very private matters of individuals and the state need not interfere in it. I think we just need to leave these people alone.”

Her party colleague Praful Patel said, “Laws evolve, societies change with time. So we have to keep an open mind and change with changing times. We must have consultation with all concerned and look into whether Section 377 needs to be changed.” Chandrashekhar said that the court order was “consistent with the contemporary values prevalent in the world”.

Said CPI National Secretary D Raja: “There is a view that Section 377 is being misused and police is harassing people using this section. The High Court has now taken a judicial view on this. In that context, it is a positive judgement. On the issue of legalizing homosexuality, I have nothing to say and we have not discussed it so far.” CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan, however, said, “I have no view or opinion on it.” When contacted, Jamia Millia Islamia Vice-Chancellor Mushirul Hassan refused to comment saying, “I have no views on things other than education.”

Asked to explain this silence, Mayur Suresh, lawyer for Voices against 377, one of the petitioners in this case, said: “This is the first time that this is being articulated as a major political issue in our country. Until now, most political parties have not thought about it except to see it as deviance. But you can see the CPM and the NCP taking positions. I am hopeful that leaders will start to see the political benefits of taking a stand in favour of discrimination.”

... contd.