268.18. The decision in Suresh Koushal (Suresh Kumar
Koushal v. Naz Foundation, (2014) 1 SCC 1 : (2013) 4
SCC (Cri) 1), not being in consonance with what we
have stated hereinabove, is overruled.
.................................................................................
.................................................................................
25. If at all, the relief claimed in the present writ petition is to be
extended to the petitioners, the provisions of Rules 283, 284,
285, 286, 287 & 288 would have to be read down so as to
include the Patwaries, Colonisation Department in the
language and ambit thereof. The Hon'ble Supreme Court
considered the powers and jurisdiction of the Court to read
down the provisions of a statutory provision in the case of
Suresh Kumar Koushal & Anr. Vs. Naz Foundation & Ors.
reported in (2014)1 SCC 1 and observed as below:-
The
appellants rely on paras 21, 22, 50, 74 and 94 of the
judgment of the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court in
Suresh Kumar Koushal v. Naz Foundation which records
evidence of various instances of the use of Section 377 to
harass members of the LGBT community. These were
based on paras 33 and 35 of the Writ Petition filed by the
Naz Foundation challenging the vires of Section 377.
It is necessary to note, in the course of hearing on a
query being made and Mr.Datar very fairly stated that he does not
intend to challenge that part of Section 377 which relates to
carnal intercourse with animals and that apart, he confines to
consenting acts between two adults. As far as the first aspect is
concerned, that is absolutely beyond debate. As far as the second
aspect is concerned, that needs to be debated. The consent between
two adults has to be the primary pre-condition. Otherwise the
children would become prey, and protection of the children in all
spheres has to be guarded and protected. Taking all the apsects in
a cumulative manner, we are of the view, the decision in Suresh
Kumar Kaushal's case (supra) requires re-consideration. As the
question relates to constitutional issues, we think it appropriate
to refer the matter to a larger Bench.
618.2. Members of the LGBT community are
entitled, as all other citizens, to the full range of
constitutional rights including the liberties
protected by the Constitution;
618.3. The choice of whom to partner, the ability
to find fulfilment in sexual intimacies and the
right not to be subjected to discriminatory
behaviour are intrinsic to the constitutional
protection of sexual orientation;
618.4. Members of the LGBT community are
entitled to the benefit of an equal citizenship,
without discrimination, and to the equal
protection of law; and
Signature Not VerifiedSigned by: SHUBHANKARMISHRASigning time: 01-May-244:58:52 PM 12 M.Cr.C. No.8388/2023
618.5. The decision in Koushal [Suresh Kumar
Koushal v. Naz Foundation, (2014) 1 SCC 1 :
NEUTRAL CITATION NO. 2025:MPHC-GWL:10757
7 M.Cr.C. No. 32576 of 2024
618.4. Members of the LGBT community are entitled
to the benefit of an equal citizenship, without
discrimination, and to the equal protection of law; and
618.5. The decision in Koushal [Suresh Kumar
Koushal v. Naz Foundation, (2014) 1 SCC1 : (2013)
4 SCC (Cri) 1] stands overruled."