An Open Letter on Section 377

The leadership of Thoughtworks India believes that expressing one’s sexual identity should not be a crime. It is our belief that the current law in India, which criminalises sexual activities that go “against the order of nature,” should not be enforced to criminalise the LGBT community for engaging in consensual sexual activities in private. Furthermore, we strongly believe that the law runs contrary to the very idea of India, which is Unity in Diversity.

India has a long, proud tradition of pluralism. It is one of our defining characteristics as a nation. Various marginalised groups have found refuge here over the centuries, and we are one of the most ethnically, religiously, and linguistically diverse countries in the world. We believe that this diversity should be celebrated as a great strength. However, over the last few decades, we have observed the advancement of regressive, discriminatory, and exclusionary rhetoric and practices. Powerful people have interpreted “Indian culture” according to their whims, and we have not done enough to challenge these interpretations.

Quietly accepting the criminalisation of millions of people under Section 377 is against what we constantly strive towards—equality, inclusivity, and diversity in every respect. We call upon all Indians to support the protection of basic human rights and join the growing community of nations that do not discriminate against people based on their sexuality.  

The Managing Directors of Thoughtworks India,

Akash Agrawal
Sunder Kumar Malyandi 
Sameer Soman

The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Thoughtworks Technologies (India) Pvt. Ltd.