Latest news with #YutakCharitableTrust
News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
Who Is Sonal Patil, Pune Judge Set To Lead LGBTQ+ Pride Parade On June 8?
Last Updated: Pune's District Judge Sonal Patil launched the Nyaya Samhita Project to offer legal aid and spread awareness about government schemes among marginalised communities In a significant show of support for the LGBTQ+ community, the District Judge of Pune will not only participate in but also lead the upcoming Pride Parade in the city scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2025. Her decision to take part in the rally has surprised many and is being hailed as a powerful gesture toward inclusivity and equality. While the LGBTQ+ community has long fought a legal battle for recognition—culminating in a historic Supreme Court verdict—social acceptance remains a challenge. The Yutak Charitable Trust's Pune Pride, held to raise awareness and visibility, is expected to be particularly special this year with the active involvement of the judiciary. The Pune Pride 2025 March, organised by the Yutak Charitable Trust, is making headlines for the participation of Sonal S. Patil, Secretary of the Pune District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and District Judge, who will join the march as a co-grand marshal. With over 15 years of experience in the judiciary, Judge Patil has expressed strong support for the LGBTQ+ community and their ongoing struggle for equality. 'Inclusivity is essential for a free and just society," she said. 'When a person feels accepted, their confidence, motivation, and productivity increase," she added. An Indian Express report highlights that inclusivity, according to Patil, promotes diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. She noted, 'When individuals feel included, they are more likely to experience a sense of belonging, which can boost their confidence, motivation, and productivity." District Judge Sonal Patil has served in various judicial capacities across Maharashtra. In 2019, she was promoted to Deputy Registrar of the Bombay High Court and later appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Supreme Court of India. Since 2023, she has been serving as the Secretary of the Pune District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). Judge Patil is also pursuing a PhD in Cyber Law from Bharati Vidyapeeth. Settlement Of Cases Through Lok Adalats Under the leadership of Judge Sonal Patil, more than 7.26 lakh cases have been resolved through National Lok Adalat, with settlements amounting to approximately Rs 2,698 crore. The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) has also been actively supporting the LGBTQ+ community through a range of services, including free legal aid, counseling, awareness programs on legal rights and collaboration with NGOs. 'Our role is to ensure that every individual receives dignity and justice under the law," Judge Patil said. Referring to the landmark Navtej Singh Johar case, she noted that the Supreme Court has clearly affirmed the LGBTQ+ community's right to protection from discrimination. Message To Society In an interview with the Indian Express about her participation in the Pune Pride March, Judge Sonal Patil said, 'This is not just a step, but a message to society that every person is equal and deserves respect. We must all work together to build an inclusive society." Patil highlighted that the Supreme Court of India has affirmed the LGBTQ+ community's right to protection against discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity in the Navtej Singh Johar case. Patil mentioned that the DLSA strives to empower marginalised communities by helping them assert their rights and access justice. 'Our mission is to uphold the rule of law and ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect," she stated. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
‘Dignity, respect for all': Who is the dist judge co-leading Pune Pride Parade?
District judge Sonal S Patil, who would be the co-grand marshal of Yutak Charitable Trust's Pune Pride on Sunday, has a long career in the judiciary. As the secretary of the Pune District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Patil said the decision to join the march was to proudly support the LBGTQ+ community's quest for equality and inclusivity. With a career of over 15 years in the judiciary, Patil has worked across Maharashtra in various judicial capacities. She was promoted as the deputy registrar of the Bombay High Court in 2019 and later as an Officer on Special Duty to the Supreme Court of India. She was appointed as the secretary of DLSA in 2023. At present, Patil is pursuing her PhD in Cyber Law from Bharati Vidyapeeth. Patil had started the Nyay Sanhita Project, which aims to provide legal aid and welfare scheme information to the marginalised community. Patil had organised National Lok Adalats which have resulted in the successful resolution of over 7,26,00 cases, with settlements amounting to Rs 2,698 crore. DLSA, Patil said, has a host of services for the community, which includes free legal aid and counselling for individuals, support in filing cases related to discrimination and rights violation, awareness programmes on legal rights and entitlements and collaboration with NGOs and community organisations for holistic support. 'Inclusivity is essential for a free and equitable society,' she said. Inclusivity, Patil saw, allows for the promotion of diversity as well as foster a sense of belonging. 'When individuals feel included, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging, which can lead to increased confidence, motivation, and productivity,' she said. Patil emphasised that the LGBTQ+ community has the right to protection from discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity as upheld by the Supreme Court of India in the Navtej Singh Johar case. Patil said DLSA works to empower the marginalised community to assert their rights and access to justice. 'Our work is to uphold the rule of law and ensure all individuals are treated with diginity and respect,' she said.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
District judge Sonal Patil to participate in Pune's 13th LGBTIQA Pride Walk
On Sunday, Sonal Patil, District Judge and Secretary of Pune District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and Dr Sanvi Jethwani, Co-Vice President of Maharashtra State Board for Protection of Transgender Rights and Welfare, will walk along with thousands at the 13th edition of LGBTIQA Pride March in Pune. This year, the march is being jointly organised by the District Legal Services Authority and Yutak Charitable Trust. Anil Ukaranade, founder director of Yutak Charitable Trust, said the presence of dignitaries such as Dr Jethwani and Patil is to bring the legal rights of the community to the mainstream. 'Of late, we have seen increased attacks on members of the community. Be it blackmailing of gay men, or transgenders not being given their rights, there is an uptick in such cases,' he said. Ukarande said the District Legal Services Authority provides legal aid to people who are not able to afford the legal costs. 'However, many in the community do not know of this,' he said. Yutak's collaboration with the DLSA is aimed at spreading awareness and urging the community to seek legal aid if necessary. Ukarande highlighted the numerous cases they had handled previously involving the transgender community. 'It's very important that the community gets to know of this resource,' he said. 'At the end of the day, it is the government that has to implement the schemes and formulate the same. We have seen if we work in silos there are gaps. When Dr Jethwani walks with us it is more than symbolic – it's is important that the community keeps all channels open for formulation of policies for them,' he said. Sonal Patil said DLSA Pune is organising the Pride Walk to promote awareness, acceptance, and legal rights. 'As the Secretary of District Legal Services Authority, Pune, proudly support the LGBTQA community's quest for equality and inclusivity,' she said. Protyush Borgohain, director of Digital Enterprise Platforms at Kohler Co, would also be the co-grand marshal. Previously, the Chief Election Commissioner of Maharashtra had led the march and was also a joint organizer. Dr Jethwani told The Indian Express that Pride is not just a celebration but a strong assertion of visibility, dignity, and the demand for equality for the community. 'Such events are essential to highlight the presence, struggles, and contribution of queer individuals from all walks of life,' she said. Last week, during the Thane Pride, members of a political party had tried to disrupt the event, which, Dr Jethwani said, was due to a lack of awareness and acceptance. 'One should look into the heart of people. They should rise beyond caste, creed, religion, etc,' she said. The Pride this year will start from Abhinav Chowk on Bajirao Road at 4.30 pm. This would be the first time since its inception the march has changed its route. Ukarande said this was done to ensure more visibility in the core city areas as well as to avoid traffic issues on FC and JM Road. Partha Sarathi Biwas is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express with 10+ years of experience in reporting on Agriculture, Commodities and Developmental issues. He has been with The Indian Express since 2011 and earlier worked with DNA. Partha's report about Farmers Producer Companies (FPC) as well long pieces on various agricultural issues have been cited by various academic publications including those published by the Government of India. He is often invited as a visiting faculty to various schools of journalism to talk about development journalism and rural reporting. In his spare time Partha trains for marathons and has participated in multiple marathons and half marathons. ... Read More
