HRLN. The Human Rights Law Network in India. A collective of lawyers and social activists dedicated to the use of the legal system to advance human rights. The organization provides pro bono legal services, conducts public interest litigation, engages in advocacy, conducts legal awareness programmes, investigates human rights violations, publishes educational materials, and participates in legal awareness campaigns. It strives not only for advocacy and to raise awareness but also to ameliorate access to justice in India.

HIV/AIDS. A transmittable virus that attacks specific cells in the immune system called T-helper or CD4 cells. These cells essentially constitute the “defence system” in a human body against outside infection. Over time, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells and weakens the immune system through replication. If CD4 cell destruction persists, the body is unable to fight even the simplest opportunistic infections, resulting in AIDS [Reference: HIV/AIDS and the Law].

PIL. Public Interest Litigation. Ensuring access to justice in India. The Indian legal system is one of the most advanced in terms of public interest and human rights law. There are provisions that allow for all people, irrespective of race, religion, caste or sex, to bring cases to the Supreme Court and the High Courts for the enforcement of their Fundamental Rights. It is not necessary that the aggrieved party has to be the one to do so. Poverty stricken people may not have the means to do so and therefore, in the public interest, anyone can commence litigation in the court on their behalf. In some cases, High Court judges have acted on their own on the basis of newspaper reports.

s. 377 Unnatural sex. S. 377 of the India Penal Code (IPC) criminalizes “unnatural sex” as an offense which may carry a maximum term of life imprisonment. Unnatural sex is defined as any sex “against the order of nature.” The order of nature being sex for the purposes of procreation only. Any form of sex that is not in the manner of sex for procreation is deemed unnatural and therefore, illegal. Think of the implications of this. Not only for homosexuals, but even for heterosexuals. Really, think about it.

Note: The repeal of s. 377 as part of the IPC is currently in the Indian Supreme Court. A judgement is expected shortly on whether or not this offense is unconstitutional and will be repealed from the IPC. I will provide an update when the judgement is announced. This would be a large win for the human rights movement which respects all peoples and their sexuality.

Rehabilitation. Moving individuals from their home slums to an “improved” area with half built shelters far into the outskirts of the city. Destroying the slums after this displacement of people. I can’t help but wonder are the new homes really better? What implications does being far removed from the city centre have on these individuals? Can a shanty be or is a shanty considered property? What are these individuals property rights? Who do these rehabilitation efforts really benefit? Is it possible that this is a win-win situation? How does the government market their support for these efforts? I would like to find out how these “displaced” persons feel about their very own rehabilitation.