Who is Saurabh Kirpal, first openly gay lawyer set be Delhi HC judge

The Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice of India N V Ramana has approved the proposal for the elevation of openly gay advocate Saurabh Kirpal as a judge of the Delhi High Court.

Saurabh Kirpal's proposed elevation to the bench was reportedly a matter of controversy due to his alleged sexual orientation. Kirpal was recommended for elevation in 2017 by the Delhi High Court collegium, then led by acting chief justice Gita Mittal.

Also watch: India takes judicial leap, Saurabh Kirpal set to become first openly gay High Court judge

Who is Saurabh Kirpal?

If appointed, Saurabh Kirpal will be India’s first openly gay judge

Son of Justice BN Kirpal, the 31st Chief Justice of India

Worked with the United Nations in Geneva before returning to India

Saurabh Kirpal has been practicing law in India for 20 years

Designated Senior Advocate in 2021, all 31 HC judges voted unanimously

Kirpal has also authored a book called ‘Sex and the Supreme Court’

Saurabh Kirpal's candidature was deferred at least four times since 2017

There were reports that his candidature was deferred due to sexual orientation

Govt reportedly objected to elevation claiming conflict of interest as his partner is European

Partner Nicolas Germain Bachmann is a foreign national and a Swiss Human Rights activist

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