Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court of India.Reuters

The Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday that overturned the 2009 Delhi High Court verdict on decriminalising gay sex has outraged many human right activists and members of the public, some of who have gone to the extent of calling it a dark day for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.

The ruling on Wednesday observed that Section 377 of Indian Penal Code, which criminalises sex "against the order of nature", is a valid constitutional provision. It added that sexual activity between homosexuals remains a criminal offence, sending shockwaves to the large community of mostly clandestine homosexual groups and human rights activists alike.

Outraged with the news, noted historian Ramachandra Guha said the order was a "step backwards towards barbarism and medievalism".

Gay rights NGO Naz foundation said it will seek a review of the Supreme Court verdict.

Human rights activists expressed huge disappointment with the latest judgement. "This is a black day for the community, the judgement is a huge disappointment. We will take the issue forward, we will fight back," Human rights lawyer Arvind Narrain said.

"The judgement is backward looking. This is very sad judgement," said rights lawyer Collin Gonsalves.

Strong reactions against the ruling poured out on social networking websites with many asking if rape isn't against the order of nature and why was only gay sex criminalised. Some have even gone to the extent of saying that they were "ashamed to be a citizen of a country without freedom of choice"

Following are some of the latest reactions against the verdict, on Twitter: