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:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Time of India
During Janta Darshan, UP CM Yogi Adityanath helps get girl enrolled in school
CM Yogi holds Janta Darbar LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adiyanath Yogi organised a 'Janta Darshan' in Lucknow on Monday. At the Janta Darshan, a young girl named Vashi requested the CM to help get her enrolled in school. The CM interacted with her, asking which school she wanted to go to and which class she wanted to enrol in. He later instructed the officials to get the young girl enrolled in her desired school. Vashi, who met CM Yogi Adityanath , narrated the entire interaction and said, "I met Yogi ji. I asked him to enrol me in a school. He said he would do it." "I have come from Moradabad. He gave me a biscuit and chocolate", Vashi added further. Since Yogi Adityanath became the CM of Uttar Pradesh, he frequently organises 'Janta Darshan', where he listens to the grievances of people and solves them. Earlier, CM Yogi inaugurated the 91.35 km long Gorakhpur Link Expressway built for Rs 7,283 crore, connecting several districts to Gorakhpur, including Azamgarh. The CM said that the new Uttar Pradesh of the new India is making its new identity as the "expressway state." Addressing a gathering, Chief Minister Yogi said, "The new Uttar Pradesh of the new India is making its new identity as the 'express-way state. "The inauguration of the 91.35 km long Gorakhpur Link Expressway is a historic moment for eastern Uttar Pradesh. Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , Uttar Pradesh is taking new heights of development, confidence and glory with the largest expressway network in the country," said CM Yogi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo Critising the previous state government, CM Yogi Adityanath said that the work of the Agra-Lucknow Expressway was half done, but during his tenure, projects related to six expressways in the state have been completed. "The work on the Agra Lucknow Expressway was half done. Today, I am happy to tell you that we have completed six projects. You are witnessing the journey of the Purvanchal Expressway. We have been continuously building it since 2021. In 2022, the Bundelkhand Expressway was started. It is 300 km long. The 340 km long Purvanchal Expressway has already been completed, and its connectivity to Patna is about to be completed. Now remember how easy the connectivity from Patna to Lucknow and Lucknow to Delhi will become", CM Yogi said. He stated that the 340 km-long Purvanchal Expressway is about to extend its connectivity to Patna. He called freedom fighter Veer Kunwar Singh and said that if the Purvanchal Expressway had been built in 1857, India would have become independent at that time. "When Veer Kunwar Singh, the hero of the first war of independence in 1857, fought the British till Azamgarh to defeat them, there was no connectivity. If this Purvanchal Expressway had been there at that time, the people of Azamgarh would have beaten the British along with Veer Kunwar Singh, and then this country would have become independent in 1857 itself. There was no connectivity at that time", he added.
Hindustan Times
28 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Watch with Kannada numerals and Karnataka's iconic crest goes viral: 'Decolonize your mind'
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya criticizes Karnataka's Rs 18,000 crore tunnel road project, calling it unscientific and financially unsound. He questions the project's feasibility, high toll costs, and potential public fund drain, challenging the government's transportation strategy.
Business Standard
31 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Godrej Properties sells over Rs 2,000 cr inventory in Barca @ Godrej MSR city launch
Godrej Properties announced that it had sold inventory worth over Rs 2,000 crore during the launch of the first phase of its residential project, Barca @ Godrej MSR City, located in Devanahalli, North Bengaluru. According to an exchange filing, the project was launched in April 2025 and has become the most successful launch ever in the North Bengaluru micro-market, both in terms of sales value and volume. Godrej MSR City has a developable area of approximately 5.6 million square feet, making it one of Godrej Properties (GPL) largest residential projects. A substantial portion of the projects inventory remains unlaunched, with additional sales planned in the coming years. Barca @ Godrej MSR City is designed to offer Mediterranean-inspired living, featuring expansive green zones, sunlit terraces, and a 1.5 lakh square feet clubhouse. The project includes a host of resort-style amenities and thoughtfully planned spaces that cater to leisure, wellness, work, and community connection. The project is situated in the fast-emerging growth corridor of North Bengaluru. Devanahalli has become a major real estate hotspot due to its proximity to Kempegowda International Airport, upcoming metro stations, and arterial routes like NH 44 and the six-lane Bellary Road. The region is witnessing accelerated development driven by key infrastructure projects and the presence of IT and aerospace hubs. With access to tech parks, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, Devanahalli stands out as one of the most promising destinations for future-ready urban living. Gaurav Pandey, MD & CEO, Godrej Properties, said, We are delighted with the response to our project, Godrej MSR City. The strong demand reflects growing consumer preference for thoughtfully designed communities that offer a blend of lifestyle, connectivity, and long-term value. This success reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-quality developments that resonate with the aspirations of modern homebuyers. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our customers and all stakeholders for their trust and confidence in Godrej Properties. We will do our best to ensure Godrej MSR City offers its residents an outstanding living experience. Godrej Properties is a leading national real estate developer. It is a real estate arm of the Godrej Group. The company currently operates in various cities and focuses on residential, commercial, and township development.
