New Delhi: Tell us where you stand on decriminalising gay sex in 12 days. This was the Supreme Court's order to the Centre on Thursday.
The potent issue that's being nationally debated was in court after S K Kaushal, an astrologer, filed a PIL against the recent Delhi High Court verdict decriminalising homosexuality.
Says Arvind Gopal, the lawyer for Naz Foundation: "We were happy after the HC verdict but knew there would be opposition.. we are hoping for the best"
"You cannot deny someone his fundamental rights because of sexual preference. It is incorrect to say our petition represented the whims of a few people," he adds.
There is no stay in High Court judgement. However, after getting responses from Centre, Naz Foundation, Delhi government and others, the Supreme Court may consider the petitioners plea for staying high court judgement on July 20
And that's what many of the religious leaders are also hoping. On Thursday, they came together to speak on the issue.
But despite pressure from all sides, for now at least the government remains evasive.
Says Law Minister Veerappa Moily: "We are analysing the judgement. We will get the notice and respond accordingly."
The case comes up for hearing now on the 20th of July.