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The Wire
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
The Future of Queer Rights in India and Why the Judiciary Must Play Catalyst
This is the full text of the speech delivered by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul on Saturday, July 12, at the launch of a report and recommendations by the Keshav Suri Foundation and the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy titled 'Queering the Law: Beyond Supriyo' at The Lalit, Delhi. The document lists legal and policy solutions to help eliminate systemic discrimination, ensure recognition of queer relationships and families, and promote equal access to healthcare, safety education, and employment. The recommendations are based on legal research and community consultations across Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. § The Future of Queer Rights in India A very good evening to all gathered today! Mr Keshav Suri, Founder of the Keshav Suri Foundation (KSF), Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Senior Advocates Mr. Saurabh Kirpal, Ms. Menaka Guruswamy and Ms. Arundhati Katju, Dr. Arghya Sengupta and other members from the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy and other esteemed panellists. At the outset I extend my congratulations to the entire Vidhi team in coming out with the public policy brief on ' Queering the Law: Beyond Suprio' assiduously prepared jointly by Vidhi and Keshav Suri Foundation (KSF). Vidhi, of course, has been doing commendable work across topical issues and its detailed recommendations are invariably well received and acknowledged. The Future of Queer Rights, assumes even more significance, not only because of the recent pronouncement of the Supreme Court in Supriyo, but also because it really is an issue that must be discussed with legislative reforms at the heart of such discussion coupled with a need for advocating change in societal perception. As I had opined in Supriyo, our Constitution contemplates a holistic understanding of equality, which applies to all spheres of life. The practice of equality necessitates acceptance and protection of individual choices. This endeavour not only requires judicial interpretation of existing statutes but also an attempt on the part of the legislature to consolidate and make necessary amendments to laws that remain archaic and rooted in a biased assignment of rights. The future of Queer Rights in India, as the Supreme Court had opined in Supriyo requires action in the realm of the legislature and the executive with a co-ordinated effort across various ministries and department. This is so because redressal is to take place across various aspects. Amendment to only civil laws relating to marriage, parenthood and inheritance and making them more inclusive would in my view be only the first step albeit significant. What is required perhaps is also a legislation on civil union. Vidhi, last year, had published what I believe to be a more contemporary rendition of a comprehensive Family Code. This could definitely form the basis of a framework to aid public deliberations on family laws in India. Cue may also be taken by the legislature while framing laws relating to civil union from those already enacted in foreign jurisdictions. For instance, the UK Civil Partnership Act which defines and provides for registration of civil unions or the Australian Family Law Act which states that two persons are in a relationship, if they are not married, not related to each other by family but have been in a relation with each other on a domestic basis. Vidhi's recommendations to the Committee constituted following the decision in Supriyo extensively cover these facets. Protection must also be afforded to such unions which are not ultimately registered but a relationship exists between two persons which could characterised as a civil union. Yet another hurdle to be crossed and surely an important consideration for any couple, would be parent-child relations and the law on this subject. Presently, parent-child relations are determined under an array of statutes – CARA Regulations for adoptions, Guardianship and Wards Act, Juvenile Justice Act, Surrogacy Act. Unfortunately, these legislations deem couples to mean only heterosexual couples. Reformation, amendment or introduction of new legislation is warranted here too. Gender-based discrimination and even bias against single parents must be written out of the statutes. In fact, in Supriyo, the minority view had noted that CARA regulations to the extent that unmarried couples could not adopt a child would disproportionately effect non-heterosexual couples since the State had not conferred legal recognition to the union of queer couples. Both the minority and majority, however, recognised that this area of the law required state intervention. A closely connected aspect would also be whether extant provisions which do not accord legitimacy to children of married couples as opposed to unmarried couples which, of course, would include non-heterosexual couples. There is a need for reworking this statutory scheme and move in-step with societal reality of the 21st century. An almost existential difficulty faced by LGBTQIA persons is access to goods, financial services and access to public infrastructure. In this regard, in my opinion in Supriyo, I had underscored the need for an umbrella anti-discrimination law, noting that: "There are several laws that have an anti-discrimination aspect to them. However, they are fragmented and may fail to capture the multitudinous forms of discrimination. Another compelling reason for a law that places a horizontal duty of anti-discrimination is provided by the spirit of Article 15, which prohibits discrimination by both the State and private actors." Furthermore, while anti-discrimination law do exist, they require courts to be: "...'sentinel on the qui vive', the only method to enforce this Constitutional right under Article 15 would be through its writ jurisdiction. There are significant challenges for marginalized communities to access this remedy. Therefore, the proliferation of remedies through an anti-discrimination statute can be a fitting solution. Such legislation would also be in furtherance of the positive duty of the State to secure social order and to promote justice and social welfare under Article 38 of the Constitution." Anti-discrimination law is ever more crucial in today's age where access to capital is sine qua non for say starting a business, buying a house or even otherwise bridging personal needs is wholly dependent on factors such as ease of availing loans or finances, opening bank accounts. Undoubtedly, there are barriers to access for LGBTQIA persons to even something as routine as opening a bank account which requires one to carry a document which conforms to gender identity. There is also a more deep-rooted societal bias, which compound inaccessibility to the financial system which is normally available to cis-gender or heteronormative individuals. This is naturally a significant handicap to the LGBTQIA community. On the whole, In my view, the future beckons a sanguine and more inclusive reality which requires a more concerted effort not only on the part of the judiciary and legislature but also the more pressing and urgent need for societal reformation. Dishearteningly, there still persists a stigma and sense of rejection for LGBTQIA persons, in particular, non-binary and transgender individuals. There is also, a degree of legislative inertia on the rights and entitlements of queer persons which risks prolonging the legal limbo for same-sex couples seeking marriage, adoption, or inheritance rights. A conservative attitude still persists across a large populace of the country which hinders acceptance. The Supriyo judgment is a nuanced milestone in India's queer rights journey. It affirms cohabitation and non-discrimination rights for LGBTQ individuals but defers to parliamentary wisdom. The minority's push for civil unions offers a potential middle ground, while the court's directives for a government committee signal incremental progress a chasm is required to be crossed which would only be successful through tempered judicial intervention, legislative progress and most importantly growing societal awareness. I believe, we are on a path of progressive recognition of rights of LGBTQIA persons. The Supreme Court's pronouncement in National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India recognized transgender individuals' right to self-identify their gender. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 codifies identification of gender but has several lacunae to be filled by the legislature. Societal perception plays a key role. A 2019 Pew survey found 37% of Indians supported homosexuality, up from 15% in 2013. Urban areas and younger generations show greater openness, but rural and conservative communities often remain hostile. The judiciary must perform the role of a catalyst. India's legislative landscape for LGBTQIA recognition has evolved, but significant gaps persist. The term 'queer' is not defined in Indian law, and asexual individuals are invisible in policy frameworks. In February 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment introduced certain administrative measures for queer couples, including access to ration cards, joint bank accounts, and the right to claim a partner's body in case of death (if no next of kin exists). These measures, prompted by the Supreme Court's Judgement in Supriyo are a step forward but remain limited, as they are not enshrined in statute and do not address comprehensive rights. I truly believe that the future is more promising than what is behind us and in the words of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, 'Hope will never be silent'. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul retired as a Supreme Court judge in 2023.
Business Standard
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Keshav Suri Lead with Purpose: From Hotels to Human Rights
PNN New Delhi [India], June 23: In a world where the hospitality industry often equates success with luxury, Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, has charted a remarkably different course one that centers on humanity, dignity, and radical inclusion. Under his leadership, The LaLiT Hotels have become more than a symbol of opulence; they have become a safe space for the marginalized, a workplace that celebrates diversity, and a brand that boldly redefines what true hospitality looks like. "Across functions and ranks - from chefs to housekeepers, front office to finance, security to senior management queer team members are not exceptions, they are essential", Says Keshav Suri. Keshav Suri's philosophy is simple yet powerful: inclusion is not an add-on it is the essence of hospitality. "To truly welcome someone, you must see them. All of them," he often emphasizes. And this belief is not just reflected in slogans, but in policies and practices that have reshaped the hospitality landscape in India. From implementing gender-neutral washrooms and anti-discrimination policies to extending medical benefits to same-sex partners and providing hiring pathways for transgender individuals, acid attack survivors, and persons with disabilities The LaLiT has been a pioneer in progressive workplace reform. Queer employees are not an exception here; they are integral, thriving across roles from chefs and front desk managers to finance professionals and senior leadership. But Keshav Suri's commitment doesn't end at the hotel lobby. In 2018, he founded the Keshav Suri Foundation (KSF), a non-profit that works to empower LGBTQIA+ individuals through skill-building, legal aid, mental health support, and entrepreneurship programs. In collaboration with national and grassroots organizations, KSF has helped thousands in their journey toward visibility and financial independence. Most recently, with the launch of Pride Fund India alongside Godrej DEI Lab and Radhika Piramal, KSF introduced India's first philanthropic fund dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ NGOs. While many brands limit their Pride celebrations to symbolic gestures, The LaLiT's Pride Month calendar is a model of meaningful engagement complete with drag performances, art showcases, panel discussions, and community workshops. As Suri puts it, "At The LaLiT, Pride is not a party. It's a pledge to never return to silence or settle for tokenism." This culture of courageous allyship and inclusive leadership has not gone unnoticed. The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group is among the top 10 in the India Workplace Equality Index (IWEI) and is a proud member of the International LGBTQIA+ Travel Association (IGLTA). Yet for Suri, these accolades are simply affirmations of doing what's right. "Inclusive leadership isn't about perfection," he says. "It's about presence, persistence, and the courage to dismantle systemic bias." Under his stewardship, The LaLiT has not only earned the loyalty of guests and employees alike but has emerged as a beacon of what the future of hospitality must look like rooted in respect, representation, and radical love. In a world often caught up in the optics of diversity, Keshav Suri is proving that inclusion when authentic is not only transformative but deeply powerful. And at The LaLiT, it's not a vision for tomorrow. It's a reality being lived today. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Business Standard
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India Inc. strongly backs Trans Employment Mela 2025 with a definitive step towards transgender inclusion
VMPL New Delhi [India], June 10: As the third edition of the Trans Employment Mela (TEM) prepares to unfold on June 18, 2025, in Delhi, leading Indian corporates are coming forward to champion workplace equity for transgender and non-binary individuals. Organised by the TWEET Foundation and InHarmony, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), this year's Mela aims to enable 100 dignified job placements, setting a bold benchmark for inclusive hiring in India. What began as a grassroots initiative has now become a growing movement--one that's being powered not only by the community but by a rising tide of corporate allies. This year, Publicis Sapient returns as the Platinum Sponsor and the Lalit Suri Hospitality Groups as the Gold Sponsor for the third consecutive year, with Hexaware as the Title Sponsor, P & G and Hexaware joining as Gold Sponsors, reflecting a deepening commitment from industry leaders to invest in transformative inclusion. "At Publicis Sapient, we believe that true transformation begins with inclusion. We are proud to sponsor TransMela 2025 for the third consecutive year, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to advancing LGBTQIA+ equity in India's workplaces. This partnership is more than symbolic--it reflects our deep-rooted belief in creating spaces where every individual, regardless of gender identity or expression, can thrive with dignity and authenticity. Through initiatives like the Rainbow Internship and our continued collaboration with grassroots organizations, we strive to build a future where opportunity is truly inclusive," said Vieshaka Dutta, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader, India from Publicis Sapient. Joining them in this mission is The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, serving both as Gold Sponsor and Hospitality Partner, led by one of India's most visible champions for queer rights, Keshav Suri. "Talent is universal, so why are opportunities still selective? In a time when the trans community continues to face attacks, erasure, and exclusion, the Trans Employment Mela is not just a job fair--it's a bold act of resistance and hope. At The Lalit and the Keshav Suri Foundation, we remain unwavering in our support. But real change needs more than solidarity--it needs action. It's time businesses, leaders, and allies: step up. Because an inclusive India isn't a dream--it's a responsibility we all share," said Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and Founder, Keshav Suri Foundation. Last year's edition of the Mela facilitated 77 placements across more than 20 companies--nearly doubling the outcomes of its debut year in 2023. With an ambitious goal of 100 placements this year, TEM 2025 is more than a job fair--it is a platform for possibility, dignity, and systemic change. Beyond recruitment, this year's Mela focused on hosting networking sessions, sensitisation workshops, performances by community artists, and storytelling spaces--providing opportunities for employers to engage deeply with the lived realities of trans persons and the immense potential they bring to the workforce. With growing participation from progressive corporations and the relentless efforts of community-led organisations, the Trans Employment Mela is a powerful reminder that inclusive employment is not a favor--it's a fundamental right. And in the vision of an equitable India, business leaders are not just participants; they are catalysts of change. ABOUT ORGANIZERS TWEET Foundation ( is an NGO based out of Delhi and Mumbai led by trans persons dedicated to providing the community with crisis support, short shelter stay, health and legal resources, and connecting them with skill building and inclusive employment opportunities. TWEET works closely with key stakeholders for mainstreaming advocacy for the rights of transgender persons. It works with the government to bring in policy-level changes and works with civil societies and the corporate sectors to build strategic partnerships to support the trans movement and welfare. InHarmony ( is a pioneering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion advisory firm dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces across India. Specializing in consultancy services, training solutions, employee wellbeing programs, research, and diversity hiring support, their impact spans various industries, guiding companies in the cultivation of inclusive & equitable spaces. InHarmony's expertise encompasses gender, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and less privileged caste categories, catering to diverse age groups. It boasts a distinguished panel of experts including facilitators, coaches, psychologists, psychiatrists, and trainers, all committed to delivering bespoke, innovative solutions tailored to meet each client's unique needs. InHarmony's founder, Anupama Easwaran is a board member of TWEET Foundation working extensively with the transgender community since the past 8 years. She is the recipient of the APCOM Hero Award 2023 in the Community Ally category and a 2 time TEDx speaker. At InHarmony, their mission is to drive positive cultural change, making workplaces places where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Pride Month: LGBTQIA+ community gathers for a vibrant celebration in New Delhi
The Capital was overtaken by a burst of colour, cheer and unapologetic pride on Saturday evening at an event marking the beginning of Pride Month. Bringing together members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, the event began with a series of moving speeches. From their personal journeys of acceptance to calling for policy-level inclusion and workplace equality, the speakers' words set the tone for the rest of the evening. 'I believe Pride should not just be celebrated during one particular month, but all 365 days of the year. It is just a happy reminder for everyone that the LGBTQIA+ community is here. We wanted to tell our people that while the world might be regressing, in India, we are progressing,' said Keshav Suri, an activist and LGBTQIA+ advocate, during the event, adding, 'While we have a long way to go, we're still on the right path.' Several attendees reflected the spirit of Pride month in vibrant rainbow colours. Also part of the celebrations was a Pride March. Taking to the adjoining streets of Barakhamba and Connaught Place, attendees expressed their joy and happiness through dance moves. The event drew to a close after a pride flag hoisting.
