Menaka Guruswamy has been nominated by the Trinamool Congress for the Rajya Sabha. If elected, she could become India’s first openly queer Member of Parliament.
Menaka Guruswamy was involved in the case against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (Photo: X)
The All India Trinamool Congress has announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Menaka Guruswamy’s name has drawn widespread attention. A well-known face in India’s legal circles, her nomination has sparked interest. If elected, Guruswamy could become the country’s first openly lesbian Member of Parliament, making it a historic moment in Indian politics.
Menaka Guruswamy is a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India, known for her work in constitutional and human rights law. Over the years, she has built a reputation for handling complex, high impact cases, especially related to civil liberties and equality. Her legal career spans decades, and she is widely respected both in India and internationally for her courtroom work and academic contributions.
She has publicly acknowledged her relationship with fellow lawyer Arundhati Katju. Her openness made her one of the most visible queer public figures in India’s legal landscape and helped bring LGBTQ+ conversations into the mainstream.
Menaka Guruswamy was involved in the case against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, and became a widely recognised name after winning the case. The colonial-era law had criminalised same-sex relations, thereby enabling discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
She, along with her partner Arundhati Katju and other lawyers, argued the case in 2018, after which the Supreme Court struck down parts of Section 377, effectively decriminalising consensual same-sex relationships between adults. This constitutional challenge was framed around dignity, privacy, and individual rights. The verdict is considered a turning point for LGBTQ+ rights in India.
Trinamool Congress has put forward a candidate whose profile goes beyond politics for the Rajya Sabha elections. Menaka Guruswamy adds legal credibility and global recognition, while also symbolising progress in LGBTQ+ representation in India. If elected, her entry into Parliament would not only mark a personal milestone, but also signal a shift towards inclusivity in Indian public life.
Based on the current numbers in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, Menaka Guruswamy’s election to the Rajya Sabha is almost certain. Voting will take place on March 16. The Trinamool Congress is expected to win four of the five seats, with BJP likely securing the remaining one. Her entry into the Upper House is widely seen as a formality.
Menaka Guruswamy’s nomination is significant for more than one reason. While she brings strong legal experience and international recognition, she would also become India’s first openly lesbian Member of Parliament. This step reflects changing attitudes and growing space for representation in Indian politics.
