Based on a complaint by Rukmani's elder sister Padmavathy, Sathangadu police have registered a case and further investigations are on.
Reacting to the incident, lawyer and activist Sudha Ramalingam said it was time Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (unnatural offence) was scrapped. "We have reached a stage where one has to accept relationships which are not termed normal. Everyone has the right, especially two consenting adults, to choose their way of life," she said.
All India Democratic Women's Association leader Vasuki said suicides are not a solution to any problem. "Same sex relationships are coming to the fore these days, and we do not have a coping mechanism in place," she told The Times of India.
Vasanthi Devi, former Chairperson, State Women's Commission, said, "In India, same sex relationships are not in any way accepted, and even talking about it is considered taboo. Since it is perceived to be unnatural and unacceptable, a lot of sensitivity is required in handling the issue. Sadly, counselling is virtually unknown in our society, be it for students or adults. If we had counsellors to guide, any number of tragedies can be avoided."
Source-Medindia
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