Thread by @BiIndia

India is set to get its first openly gay judge

#SaurabhKirpal

businessinsider.in/india/news/sau…

By @marciasekhose

@marciasekhose Another big milestone for the #LGBTQ community in India is expected soon as the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the elevation of senior advocate #SaurabhKirpal as judge of the Delhi High Court.

@marciasekhose If appointed then Kirpal would make history by becoming the first openly gay judge to hold the position.

The appointment is yet to be confirmed but the journey so far hasn’t been one without hurdles.

#SaurabhKirpal #LGBTQ

@marciasekhose Back in 2017, Kirpal was recommended but his elevation was deferred with reports on objections raised against his sexual orientation.

#SaurabhKirpal #LGBTQ

@marciasekhose Some reports also suggest that the objection was due to the fact that Kirpal’s partner is a European who works with the Swiss Embassy, and this could cause a conflict of interest. Kirpal however refuted this and said that it’s his sexuality that’s actually deferring his request.

@marciasekhose Kirpal’s journey for judgeship started in 2017 when the then acting chief justice of the Delhi High Court, Justice Gita Mittal proposed his name for elevation. Later in October, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended his name for elevation.

#SaurabhKirpal #LGBTQ

@marciasekhose The following year in September, Kirpal’s name was deferred, and once again in January 2019. It was again deferred three months later. Earlier this year in March, Kirpal was designated as a senior advocate after a unanimous vote from all 31 judges of the Delhi High Court.

@marciasekhose #SaurabhKirpal was also the counsel for Navtej Johar and Ritu Dalmia, two key petitioners in the removal of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalised homosexuality.

#LGBTQ

@marciasekhose Kirpal who has been an advocate for #LGBTQ rights would not only be making history but could also pave the way for more LGBTQ judges in India.

#SaurabhKirpal