The decision by the Delhi High Court has given a fresh lease of life to homosexuals. Section 377 of Indian Penal Code has been struck off down by the court. Section 377 criminalizes "carnal intercourse against the order of nature," a phrase interpreted to ban homosexuality.

A bench of Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice S. Muralidhar said that if not amended, section 377 of the IPC would violate Article 21 of the Indian constitution, which states that every citizen has equal opportunity of life and is equal before law.

Gay activists said: "The Constitution gives fundamental right to equality and it prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. But the rights of 25 lakh homosexuals in the country are being violated."

The new decision marks the end of a long battle fought by the homosexuals for their rights. In India, homosexuality is still a taboo. The homosexuals are looked down upon by the society. Let's hope that new decision by the court will also change the attitude of people towards homosexuals by identifying them as normal humans!