In what is being hailed by activists as a revolutionary move, an Indian mother has placed a gay matrimonial ad in Mumbai’s Mid-Day for her son.

Padma Iyer, mother of Harrish, wrote: “Seeking 25-40, Well-Placed, Animal-Loving, Vegetarian GROOM for my SON (36, 5’11’’) who works with an NGO. Caste no bar (Though IYER preferred).”

Homosexuality remains illegal in India, despite attempts at decriminalisation. Homosexuality was re-criminalised in India in 2013 in a decision by the supreme court that stunned campaigners and led to huge international criticism.

Three other Indian newspapers reportedly refused to publish the ad.

Sachin Kalbag, editor of the Mumbai tabloid Mid-Day told the Telegraph: “As an organisation, we have always supported equal rights for everyone, regardless of religion, caste, sexual orientation, the colour of the skin, or whatever. Therefore, when the gay matrimony ad came to our office, we did not even think twice about publishing it.

“In India, matrimonial ads are one of the best ways to find a life partner, given the prevalence of "arranged marriage."

The ad has induced an outpouring of support on social media.

Thirty-six year-old Harrish Iyer, who is a renowned equal rights activist in India, said: “I’m proud of her. It was her idea. My mum was like: ‘You don’t have a boyfriend, you’re not so young.

“It’s about a mother who wanted to place an ad for her son because her son was not finding a boy for himself.

“It is as simple as that.”