diff --git a/getgauge/parser.py b/getgauge/parser.py
index 56d4119..11b7953 100644
--- a/getgauge/parser.py
+++ b/getgauge/parser.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ def parse(file_path, content=None):
         """
         try:
             if content is None:
-                with open(file_path) as f:
+                with open(file_path, encoding='utf-8') as f:
                     content = f.read()
             py_tree = RedBaron(content)
             return Parser(file_path, py_tree)