An anti-gay rights activist pleaded before the Delhi High Court that legalising homosexual acts would lead to spread of HIV and endanger the family system in the country.

Senior BJP leader B P Singhal, who is opposing the plea of decriminalisation of gay sex, submitted in his written submission that on the line of western countries such behaviour could not be legalised in the country as it has different moral values.

"Unlike foreign countries, where life only means fun and enjoyment, life in India develops a meaning only when we serve with love and affection to our parents and all members of our families," he said.

"There is an increasing tendency of homosexuals in India to indulge in group sex. What is even more disturbing is that in the name of HIV/AIDS control, they try to get safe places for carrying out perverted sexual practices on a collective scale," Advocate H P Sharma, appearing for Singhal said in the submission filed before a Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice S Muralidhar.

"Homosexuality will adversely affect the public health and in the name of thrill, enjoyment and fun the young shall walk into the trap of homosexual addiction. The tragic aspect of this is that alcohol, drugs and disease are the natural concomitants of homosexual activity," he said.

Sighal response came on a petition filed by gay rights activists seeking decriminalisation of gay sex among consenting adults which, at present, is an offence. Section 377 of Indian Penal Code provides a punishment upto life imprisonment for indulging in gay sex.

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