Gay rights activists cheer and celebrate after court passed ruling decriminalizing homosexuality in New Delhi, 02 Jul 2009

A high court in India's capital has annulled the law that criminalizes adult homosexual relations. The law applies only in New Delhi.The Delhi High Court ruled Thursday that treating consensual gay sex as a crime violates fundamental rights provided by the constitution.

Gay activists in New Delhi celebrated the verdict. Although the ruling only applies to New Delhi -- and could still be appealed by opponents -- they expressed hope that it will set a precedent for the rest of the country.

Meanwhile, Calcutta`s gay community burst into spontaneous celebration after the Delhi High Court`s judgment.

The people with `different sexual preferences` in Calcutta including the gay, the lesbian and the trans-gender have been in constant fear of police and public harassment. They are now relieved.

Gautam Gupta has the details.