In a historical verdict, the Delhi High Court July 2 decriminalised gay sex, quoting Jawaharlal Nehru to emphasise the constitutional principle of 'equal rights to all' and equality of allbefore law.

It said section 377, a law from the British Raj era that says homosexuality and 'unnatural sex' is a criminal act, should be amended.

Gautam Bahn, gay rights activist and writer, also praised the government's move.

'The government quite smartly and strategically, through today's decision, has cleared that they don't oppose the Delhi High Court decision on decriminalising gay sex. The government decision will boost the judgment,' he told IANS.

According to Majid Memon, a senior lawyer, the government took a right decision to leave it to the court to decide on the issue as it is a very sensitive subject.

'This is a very sensitive issue which does not simply have a legal fallout but also has social, moral, institutional -- as far as the institution of family is concerned. Public opinion is also of great importance as it is going to govern the private lives of individuals who are subject to laws in India,' he said.

He also said there was a need for a debate on the subject before a final decision was taken.

Soli J. Sorabjee, former attorney general welcomed the government's decision and said 'it reflects broad mindedness and power of the government'.

But there were some voices of dissent.

Forty-four-year-old prince Manvendra Singh Gohil from Rajpipla in Gujarat, who faced flak for admitting that he was gay, said he had 'expected the government to make more rational choices.'

Giving its landmark judgment, the high court said section 377 should be amended and any sex between consenting adults should be legalised.

What this judgment means is that police will no longer be able to intrude upon or arrest adult homosexuals having consensual sex.