Fashion designer Parvesh is also happy for the gay community. "Indian culture was very elaborate from ancient times and sexuality is a very personal decision. Hence it is good to know that government has finally opened its eyes on section 377.

"It is a great achievement," he said.

Standup comedian Vir Das said: "I think in the last five years our courts have really been like rock stars with their verdicts. They have meted out justice intelligently.

"I wouldn't give Hindi films too much credit. I think Hindi films tend to handle everything lightly. So I feel they do not have no bearing on how we view gay rights at all."

Expressing her happiness over the court's decision, actress and gay activist Celina Jaitley said: "With great pride and tears I would like to congratulate the entire LGBT community. Homosexuality is now legal in India. Our long battle is won and with pride can the gay walk with their heads held high."

Manavendra Singh Gohil, an erstwhile Gujarat royal who is gay and an activist at that, said it would be "a very good idea to call this day as the 'Queer Independence Day of India'".

"I want to congratulate all intellectuals and activists who have been working actively for the gay community. This verdict also sends out a clear message to other countries who still believe that India is a land of bullet carts and snake charmers. We will be governed by reasons of realities alone and now our morality will be guided by these realities," he said.