In a departure from its earlier stance, the UPA government told the Supreme Court on Monday that it does not want an interim stay on the Delhi High Court?s verdict legalising gay sex among consenting adults. Earlier in Delhi High Court, the Manmohan Singh government in its previous term had stoutly opposed legalising sex among consenting adults.
On Monday, right at the outset of the much-awaited hearing, attorney general GE Vahanvati, the country?s senior-most law officer submitted that ?We don?t want a stay on the HC?s order?.
In his categorical submission before the bench of Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan, the AG explained that the implication of the high court?s decision is of a limited nature, only concerning sex among consenting adults. ?We took a stand in the high court which has given a judgment and we find that it is a limited order concerning consenting adults,? he said. While seeking time to come out with a definitive stand before the apex court, Vahanvati informed the bench, also comprising Justice P Sathasivam, ?Three ministers of this government are in a huddle and examining the verdict. We will come out with our view.?
Fully endorsing the AG?s submission, the bench said, ?We will hear the government?s stand and then make up our mind.?