The Law of Desire: Rulings on Sex and Sexuality in India
A book review in Intersections: Gender and Sexuality in Asia and the Pacific
Law defines the social, while desire threatens to disrupt it; the law of desire is, therefore, both a necessity and an impossibility.
Madhavi Menon, p. 16
Madhavi Menon’s newest book on sex, sexuality and queerness is published at an opportune time when discussions around the legality of same-sex marriage seemingly take the centre stage of gay and lesbian rights advocacy in Indian courts. In The Law of Desire: Rulings on Sex and Sexuality in India, Menon presents us with a text that challenges these well-meaning activists’ and lawmakers’ intentions of using the law as a vehicle of social change. In doing so, she presents a hitherto ignored critique of the otherwise progressive Navtej judgment that legalised consensual same-sex activity in India and paved the way for the ongoing conversations around same-sex marriage recognition in India.
Filed Under
About the Author
Kanav N Sahgal is the Communications Manager at Nyaaya. He holds a Master's in Development from Azim Premji University in Bengaluru and his expertise centers on global gender politics and the law, particularly focusing on gay rights and abortion rights. Kanav also has extensive experience in development communications, volunteer management, program management, and human resources management. He has worked with NGOs, not-for-profits, and for-profits engaged in various domains, including international development, environmental and social consulting, student leadership development, anti-human trafficking, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. His writings appear regularly in platforms like The Hindu, Deccan Herald, Hindustan Times, The Diplomat Magazine, Cosmopolitan India, JURIST, The LSE Review of Books, and The Cambridge Global Affair. His perspectives have been quoted in publications like Mint Lounge, Outlook India, Time, DW News, The Telegraph, Bloomberg, and The Washington Blade, among others.
