Ep. 2: Sex and The Supreme Court with Saurabh Kirpal on the Weekend Playlist with Shivraj Parshad

'Live & Learn' with Shivraj Parshad

Our next guest on the Weekend Playlist, Saurabh Kirpal is a noted senior advocate who has now been recommended for a judgeship. If approved by the government he will be India's first openly Gay judge. Saurabh is one of the lawyers who argued against Section 377 and also the editor of an anthology of essays, Sex and The Supreme Court.

In this conversation, Saurabh tells us why he felt this book is so critical for our understanding of issues of gender identity, sexual choice and the dignity of every Indian.

It is written in the backdrop of recent critical judgments like the reading down of 377, decriminalizing adultery, lifting the bar on entry of women of menstruating age to the the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, the verdict confirmed transgender rights, the triple talaq decision and the MeToo movement that put the spotlight on the 1997 Vishakha judgment, protecting women against workplace harassment.

But what stands out is Saurabh's choice of essays by legal luminaries, lawyers and everyday people, with their own personal narratives. This is because, he tells us, his purpose is to drive home the impact of these judgments for everyone, devoid of the noise and debate of the media and political interests.

This is a no holes barred conversation, where Saurabh does not shy away from saying, he is disappointed for still not being confirmed as a High Court judge, the need to push for same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination laws.

The one message he has for us: We must learn to stand up and fight, put ourselves in the other person's shoes and work towards an India that is just, equal and leaves no one behind.

Listen to the Weekend Playlist in your time and at your pace and do let us know what you think of the conversation. You can also let us know if you would like to suggest other inspirational folks and their stories. You could do that by writing to [e-mail] or sending a message on [phone].

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