"One change the ruling could bring soon,activists said, is in dealings with corrupt police officers, who reportedly sometimes extort money by threatening to apply the law or "out" gays and lesbians to friends or family.

Akash Verma, 26, a Delhi resident, said he was returning home late one night in 2004 when two intoxicated policemen who suspected he was gay stole about $20 from his bag and demanded sex, but released him. Verma said other officers later "strongly advised" against filing a complaint.

Although Verma's account could not be independently verified, gay rights activists said such behavior by police is not uncommon."

It's a small step but at least it's in the right direction. Hope fully more and bigger steps will follow.