Just three weeks ago, India's gay community was celebrating its gay pride parade.

It was also expecting India's Supreme Court to - very soon -- rubber stamp a landmark lower court ruling.

One that decriminalizes gay sex in the world's largest democracy.

But on Wednesday -- dismay.

Instead of affirming the ruling, the court threw it out.

Effectively re-criminalizing gay sex.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) A JOURNALIST AND GAY RIGHTS ACTIVIST, ASHOK ROW KAVI, SAYING:

"I didn't expect that this court will make such a huge setback to us. To me, it is unbelievable that a judge has not understood the constitutional rights of the citizens like me."

With Wednesday's decision, India's legal stance on gay sex reverts back to nineteenth century colonial rule.

It's a setback not just for gay rights, but for human rights, says Assistant Solicitor General Indira Jaising.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ADDITIONAL SOLICITOR GENERAL, INDIRA JAISING, SAYING: