Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
2. To make amends for the excesses committed against the LGBTQ+ community in the past and present, the Indian state should enact a ‘Siras Act’ on the lines of the Alan Turing law. Elucidate.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The editorial presents a case for a law to accord an ex post facto pardon to those who were convicted under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the importance of enacting a ‘Siras Act’ on the lines of the Alan Turing law.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with brief narration of Article 377.
Body:
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code is a section of the Indian Penal Code introduced in 1861 during the British rule of India. It makes sexual activities “against the order of nature” illegal.
On 6 September 2018, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the application of Section 377 to consensual homosexual sex between adults was unconstitutional, “irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary”, but that Section 377 remains in force relating to sex with minors, non-consensual sexual acts, and bestiality.
Then present an overview of judicial interventions.
Account for the arguments for pardon law.
Conclusion:
Conclude that to make amends for the excesses committed against the LGBTQ+ community in the past and present, the Indian state should enact a ‘Siras Act’ on the lines of the Alan Turing law.
