How Do You Spell SECTION 377 OF THE INDIAN PENAL CODE?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛkʃən θɹˈiːhˈʌndɹədən sˈɛvəntisˈɛvən ɒvðɪ ˈɪndi͡ən pˈiːnə͡l kˈə͡ʊd] (IPA)

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code is a controversial law criminalizing homosexual acts. The spelling of "section" is /ˈsɛkʃən/, with stress on the first syllable, and the word "Indian" is pronounced /ˈɪndiən/. "Penal" is pronounced /ˈpiːnəl/ with stress on the first syllable, while "code" is pronounced /koʊd/ with stress on the second syllable. The numbers "377" are simply pronounced three seventy-seven. The spelling of this word is important for understanding the legal system and social practices related to homosexuality in India.

SECTION 377 OF THE INDIAN PENAL CODE Meaning and Definition

  1. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) refers to a specific provision that was introduced during the British colonial era in 1861. It criminalizes any form of non-heterosexual sexual activities, labeling them as "unnatural offenses" and imposing punishment. This section has widely been interpreted to primarily target same-sex sexual activities between consenting adults, effectively criminalizing homosexuality within India.

    The wording of Section 377 is explicitly directed towards "carnal intercourse against the order of nature," and it carries a potential punishment of imprisonment for a term ranging from ten years to life. It also criminalizes any actions that might lead to such acts or involve "voluntary carnal intercourse" against the order of nature.

    Over the years, Section 377 has faced criticism and sparked a significant amount of controversy within Indian society. It has been viewed as discriminatory and a violation of fundamental human rights, particularly the rights to equality, privacy, and non-discrimination enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

    In recent times, there have been various legal challenges aiming to decriminalize homosexuality and strike down Section 377. In 2018, the Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment, ruled that consensual same-sex sexual activity between adults is not a crime. This judgment effectively decriminalized homosexuality and stripped Section 377 of its force regarding same-sex relations. This significant legal change was celebrated as a triumph for LGBTQ+ rights in India, marking a step towards greater inclusivity and the recognition of diversity.