Harassment of lesbian couple by cops is illegal, but not uncommon: Activists

“Despite decriminalisation of Section 377 by the Supreme Court, the girl was questioned, ridiculed and subjected to death threats from her parents at the police station for the choices she had made for herself,” said an agitated Sivakumar, co-founder of Nirangal, an NGO that focuses on gender and sexuality activism, who was present at the scene of the incident.

“As per law, officials cannot even question her without a complaint or keep her at the police station overnight, let alone give her advice on life morals.”

L Ramakrishnan, vice president, SAATHII, who was also present at the police station in support of the couple, said, “There’s a chance that parents are not aware about the law, but police officers are supposed to know and uphold it. It is upsetting to see that does not happen. Homosexual people are subjected to such harassment and I don’t see when this will change.”

The lesbian couple was dragged to the police station by their parents, who allegedly made death threats to scare them to discontinue their relationship and ridiculed them in front of the cops there.

“Nirangal receives at least 15 calls a month from homosexual people in the city who face harassment by educational authorities, colleagues, parents and even strangers,” said Sivakumar. “A few months ago, a young guy, who called us to confide about his sexual preference, committed suicide later. I went to the Egmore police station to enquire about the cause of suicide and the officers said the reason was an ‘embarrassing’ one and that he didn’t want to talk about it.”

Asserting out that no one can be interrogated at the police station without a registered complaint, advocate Richard Wilson said, “People must be aware of the law. A circular from higher officials to sensitise inspectors and constables on homosexuality is necessary.”

Pointing out that moral policing used to be high for even live-in relationships, he added that it reduced after the officers were briefed on the legal move.