Latest news with #SonalPatil
News18
04-06-2025
- 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:
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Time of India
86,542 cases settled in National Lok Adalat
Pune: A total of 86,542 cases were settled, and compensation of Rs183.5 crore was awarded to the litigants in the National Lok Adalat organised at the district and sessions courts on Saturday. The district legal services authority (DLSA), Pune, placed 2.20 lakh compoundable cases for settlement before 123 panels in the Lok Adalat, of which 86,542 cases were successfully settled between the disputed parties. The cases settled include bank recovery, criminal, electricity bills, labour disputes, land acquisition, motor accident claims, matrimonial disputes, cheque bounce, revenue, service matters, water bills, and consumer disputes. DLSA secretary Sonal Patil said the Lok Adalat, organised under the guidance of principal district and sessions judge Mahendra Mahajan, successfully resolved 86,542 cases, underscoring the efficacy of alternative dispute resolution in making justice accessible to all. Patil said this achievement reflects not only the unwavering commitment of their team but also the collaborative spirit of the judiciary, legal professionals, and the public. "The purpose of Lok Adalat is to take justice to the homes of people. We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that justice is not a distant ideal but a tangible reality for every citizen," she said. The Lok Adalat, for the first time, settled a commercial dispute case of Rs3 crore filed by Atlas Chemicals against ABC Inc under the Commercial Courts Act, 2018. It helped in securing the release of 10 undertrial prisoners lodged in Yerawada Central Prison in six theft cases. The Lok Adalat reunited a couple in a matrimonial dispute case after referring them to a series of counselling sessions.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Time of India
State to reclaim financial aid given to 3 rape survivors under Manodhairya scheme for turning hostile during trial
Pune: The state is set to reclaim financial aid given to three rape survivors under the Manodhairya scheme after they retracted their statements during trial, leading to the acquittal of the accused. The Manodhairya scheme was introduced by state govt in 2013 to provide financial assistance and rehabilitate survivors of rape, sexual assault and acid attacks. Sonal Patil, Pune secretary of District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), said, "The three rape survivors received Rs 3 lakh each in 2017, 2019 and 2023 under the scheme. Initially, they got Rs 75,000 each when filing the FIR and the remaining Rs 2.25 lakh each was kept in 10-year fixed deposits in their names in a public sector bank." She said during the trial, the survivors contradicted their earlier statements and failed to support the prosecution, leading to the acquittal of the accused. "DLSA received reports from the respective courts or police stations recommending that the financial aid under the Manodhairya scheme given to the survivors be withdrawn," Patil said. DLSA informed the Manodhairya committee, led by principal district and sessions judge Mahendra Mahajan, that the survivors had refused to support the prosecution's case in a meeting on May 6. The committee then decided to withdraw the financial aid given to them. According to Patil, the Manodhairya scheme requires survivors to cooperate with the prosecution and maintain consistent testimony to retain financial aid. If they deviate, govt can reclaim the amount with interest, as per guidelines from the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority of Feb 22, 2018 and a govt resolution of Jan 1, 2024. Consequently, DLSA issued notices to the survivors and their parents to recover the financial aid given under the scheme. "The fixed deposits kept in a public sector bank in the survivors' names will be cancelled or reclaimed," she said. If the survivors failed to comply with the notices issued, DLSA would issue directions to the district collector to take action against them or their parents by auctioning their property to recover the financial aid granted under the provisions of the Land Reference Law, she said. A five-member committee comprising officials from legal aid, women and child development, non-governmental organisations and senior advocates would be constituted to study the hostility rate. GRAPHIC The Manodhairya committee, in its meeting held on May 6, decided on 48 applications received from survivors in sexual assault cases In two cases relating to murder and suicide, the committee awarded financial aid of Rs 10 lakh each In 14 cases relating to sexual assault reported in the district, the committee awarded financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh each. In eight cases, the committee rejected the applications for awarding financial aid either due to lack of evidence or because they refused to record their statements before magisterial courts in a bid to support the accused In two cases, the committee will take a call to award financial aid to the survivor on receiving medical reports from the govt hospital In three cases, the committee issued orders to recover the financial aid from the survivors for turning hostile In 19 cases, the committee awarded financial assistance to survivors ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh each
