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Saurabh Kirpal
Saurabh Kirpal read law at the Universityof Oxford and did his Masters in law at the University of Cambridge. He did a brief stint working with the United Nations in Geneva before returning to Delhi where he has been practicing at the Supreme Court for well over two decades. He has appeared in a range of matters covering a diverse range of subjects from commercial to constitutional law. This is reflected in the variety of clients he has appeared for, from Anil Ambani in his legal battle with his brother to being the counsel for Navtej Johar, Ritu Dalmia and others in the case that led to the reading down of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. A self-described ‘accidental activist’, he also is a trustee of the Naz Foundation Trust, the NGO that first fought for decriminalization of homosexuality in India. He is the author of the recently released book Sex and the Supreme Court, an anthologyabout issues relating to law, gender and sexuality.
Session
Sex and the Supreme Court
Saurabh Kirpal, Ritu Dalmia, Justice Madan Lokur in conversation with Namita Bhandare
The Supreme Court of India has in recent times set on a path of progressive societal reforms. Sex and the Supreme Court: How the Law is Upholding the Dignity of the Indian Citizen, edited by Saurabh Kirpal, is a collection of narratives that provide insight into landmark judgements that uphold the rights and liberties of sexual minorities and women in India. Justice Madan Lokur is a retired Supreme Court judge. Saurabh Kirpal is a lawyer and LGBTQ activist. Ritu Dalmia is a renowned celebrity chef and restaurateur and has stood up vigorously for LGBTQ rights. Well known journalist Namita Bhandare writes on gender and social issues. Together, they discuss the societal and political processes that led to these crucial judgements and the role of the highest court in maintaining the dignity, privacy and safety of all its citizens.