In a historic decision, the Supreme Court collegium on Wednesday, 18 January, told the central government that it was "unconstitutional to reject the candidature" of Saurabh Kirpal as a judge in the Delhi High Court on the grounds that he is gay.
The collegium, in its response to the Centre's objections to Kirpal's sexual orientation and his partner being a Swiss national, also stated:
"There is no reason to pre-suppose that the partner of the candidate, who is a Swiss National, would be inimically disposed to our country, since the country of his origin is a friendly nation. Many persons holding high offices have foreign partners."