Mumbai, Sep 6: The Humsafar Trust in Mumbai carried out LGBT pride parade in the city on Thursday after the Supreme Court, in its historic judgment, legalised homosexuality. Celebrations broke out as the LGBTQ community welcomed the judgment of the Apex Court's judgement of decriminalising consensual gay sex. "Any consensual sexual relationship between two consenting adults - homosexuals, heterosexuals or lesbians - cannot be said to be unconstitutional," said the Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra, as he read out the judgement.

After the judgment today, activists, members of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer) community, authors and politicians welcomed the verdict that granted them a basic human right but also acknowledging that complete equality was still some distance away. The verdict also said society cannot dictate a sexual relationship between consenting adults — with many cutting cakes and unfurling the rainbow flag.

Watch Humsafar Trust takes out LGBT pride parade in Mumbai:

Earlier, gay sex had been punishable by up to 10 years in jail. The judges in the case had previously said that gay people in India faced deep-rooted trauma and live in fear.

A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court unanimously decriminalised part of the 158-year-old colonial law under Section 377 of the IPC, which criminalises consensual unnatural sex, prompting joyous tears, hugs and dancing across the country.

Former AG Mukul Rohatgi welcomed the SC judgment and said, "It is an important decision. I'm happy court has realised the rights of LGBTs, their pain, & gave them proper space in the society. Most importantly, with this decision, they will be given equal rights like others", he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2018 04:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).