Hindustan Times looks at the key implications and road ahead after the historic verdict by the Supreme Court decriminalising homosexuality. It must be noted that decriminalisation of gay sex is just the first step towards overall societal acceptance. The key implication of the verdict is that it will open the floodgates for laws relating to gay marriage, adoption, inheritance etc. Secondly, there will be more pressure on lawmakers, courts to make laws favourable to the LGBT community. Also, the verdict will have a direct bearing on pending criminal cases pertaining to Sec 377. At the same time, it opens the legal recourse for those already convicted under Section 377.