New Delhi (IANS): An Indian law that criminalises sex between men is a "major obstacle" in efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country, according to UN AIDS executive director Peter Piot.

"Section 377 (of the Indian Penal Code - IPC) is part of the colonial heritage and should have been abolished a long time back. It is a violation of human rights and a major obstacle in fighting HIV/AIDS", Piot told IANS during his recent visit to India.

Section 377 treats sexual relations among people of the same gender as "unnatural" and a criminal act. The provision has been mired in controversy ever since a public suit was filed in 2001 in the Delhi High Court challenging its legality.