New Delhi: Madras High Court judge N. Anand Venkatesh Monday issued guidelines to protect LGBTQIA+ couples from police harassment.
The high court is hearing a protection petition filed by two women who have been facing resistance and pressure from their respective families. Justice Venkatesh noted that societal change is needed in the approach towards LGBTQIA+ relationships.
The case has been kept pending for regular monitoring and follow-up with various departments to ensure that the directions issued by the court is executed and enforced. The matter will come up next on 31 August.
Justice Venkatesh underwent counselling to understand same-sex relationships better after admitting that he is “not fully woke on this aspect” in April this year. The court had also referred the women as well as their parents to a counsellor who specialises in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals.
In an order on 29 March this year, Justice Venkatesh admitted how he is trying to break his own preconceived notions about this issue and is “in the process of evolving”.
Read the full order here:
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