EXCLUSIVE | India Rejects Section 377: LGBTQ Activist Sonal Giani Talks About the Supreme Court's Verdict on Section 377

In one of the historic moves, the Supreme Court of India has finally dismantled the law that marked homosexuality as a crime in the country. A panel headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra ruled in favour of the decriminalisation of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalised homosexuality.

The Apex court on the grounds of biological orientation legalised consensual physical relations between consenting adults. Indians have welcomed the decision gladly as rainbow flag, balloons, covered the streets across the country. Citizens gathered to celebrate the LGBTQ community's victory over social inequality. Marking an end to the prolonged injustice, people have also taken to the social media to voice their opinion in favour of the historic amendment made to the constitution.

READ: Supreme Court Decides On Section 377 LIVE UPDATES: Biggest Day For Gay Rights In India As 5-judge Constitution Bench Pronounces Verdict On Decriminalising Homosexuality In India

LGBT Activist Sonal Giani said she is elated with the judgement. In an exclusive interview with Republic TV she said, "I am elated with this judgment. The judges have been so sensitive and thorough, it is very heartening. The last 5 years were very difficult for us a s a community because we had a surge in blackmail, extortion and crisis situations. The Supreme Court has undone this damage with this beautiful verdict. I thank them. It is a beautiful, glorious and landmark day for us as a community. Am happy to be here in this moment to witness history in its making. Another battle for our other constitutional right such as marriage rights, adoption rights and property right lies ahead of us. Legal change will help us to change social mindset but such laws take time to change. We are glad that the Supreme Court has instructed the Government to sensitize society in general, this is very important and we hope it will be implemented. But for today I will sleep in peace, today is the day a of celebration and I cannot wait to party with fellow community members and activists."

READ: India Rejects 377: Gay Sex Not A Crime In India Anymore After Supreme Court Decriminalises Homosexuality

The controversy over whether or not gay sex should be decriminalised has continued over years. The issue was upheld in the Supreme Court by six petitioners who raised their voice against the Section 377 of Indian Penal Code demanding sexual rights. The petition was filed by the NGO Naz Foundation. The hearing saw as many as 35 individuals petitioners appearing before the court to demand that the 156-year-old colonial anti-LGBTQ law is struck down in India.