| Director | Hansal Mehta |
|---|---|
| Genre | LGBT-related film, biographical film, drama film |
| Runtime | 114 min |
| Country | India |
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalised sexual activities "against the order of nature," which included homosexual acts. On July 2, 2009, the Delhi High Court declared Section 377 unconstitutional, effectively decriminalising homosexuality.
On February 8, 2010, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, an esteemed Marathi language professor at Aligarh Muslim University, returned home at night in a rickshaw. Later, Siras and the rickshaw puller went to his apartment, where two TV journalists forcibly entered and filmed Siras engaging in a consensual act with the man. One journalist was armed with a stick, while the other carried a camera. This premeditated sting operation led to Siras's suspension, and the story made local headlines.
The case drew the attention of Deepak Sebastian, a Delhi-based journalist eager for a breakthrough story. With the support of his boss Nameeta, Deepak traveled to Aligarh to investigate. Meanwhile, protests erupted at the university over Siras's suspension. His colleague, Professor Sridharan, pressured him into writing a letter expressing embarrassment over the incident in hopes of retaining his position. Despite this, Siras faced widespread ostracism, denial of medical treatment, and eventual termination. The university also issued him a legal notice to vacate his residence within seven days, cutting off his electricity despite protests.
Deepak, disturbed by the blatant injustice, uncovered evidence suggesting Siras was the victim of a planned operation. Though initially reluctant, Siras eventually confided in Deepak, alleging that jealousy among colleagues motivated the smear campaign. He recounted how two individuals stormed his apartment armed with a camera and sticks, filmed him, and physically assaulted him, followed by four colleagues entering without permission.
Back in Delhi, gay rights activists Anjali Gopalan and Arvind Narayan offered legal support, confident after the Delhi High Court's Section 377 ruling. Siras was represented by Advocate Anand Grover, a key figure in the earlier decriminalisation case. Forced to leave his university-provided housing, Siras moved to private accommodation.
Legal proceedings began in March 2010. The university presented the coerced letter of embarrassment as evidence, while Siras's colleagues refused further assistance. Deepak pursued leads, suspecting that Irfan, the rickshaw puller present that night, was part of the conspiracy. However, Siras expressed trust and affection for Irfan.
In court, the prosecution focused on framing Siras's consensual relationship as immoral and criminal. Despite this, Siras eventually won the case, and the court ordered his reinstatement. Deepak congratulated Siras, promising to celebrate together. Tragically, the next day, Siras was found dead in his apartment. Police discovered traces of poison in his blood but ruled out foul play.
A few years later, the Supreme Court reinstated Section 377, re-criminalising homosexuality in India.