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'''J. Sai Deepak''' (born 1985) is an Indian [[Hindutva]] activist, lawyer, and writer.<ref name="Kunnummal 2023">{{cite journal | last=Kunnummal | first=Ashraf | title=Islamic Liberation Theology and Decolonial Studies: The Case of Hindutva Extractivism | journal=Religions | publisher=MDPI AG | volume=14 | issue=9 | date=2023-08-22 | issn=2077-1444 | doi=10.3390/rel14091080 | doi-access=free | page=1080|quote= Of the Hindutva propagandists who deploy decolonial studies, J. Sai Deepak is the only one who has written substantively on it.}}</ref>
'''J. Sai Deepak''' (born 1985) is an Indian [[Hindutva]] activist, lawyer, and writer.<ref name="Kunnummal 2023">{{cite journal | last=Kunnummal | first=Ashraf | title=Islamic Liberation Theology and Decolonial Studies: The Case of Hindutva Extractivism | journal=Religions | publisher=MDPI AG | volume=14 | issue=9 | date=2023-08-22 | issn=2077-1444 | doi=10.3390/rel14091080 | doi-access=free | page=1080|quote= Of the Hindutva propagandists who deploy decolonial studies, J. Sai Deepak is the only one who has written substantively on it.}}</ref> As a counsel, he practices before the [[Supreme Court of India]] and the [[Delhi High Court|High Court of Delhi]].<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2076261680}} |title=Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala too has rights under Article 21, SC told |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=26 July 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2076507987}} |title=Sabarimala case: Deity living person, has right to privacy, women devotees to SC |newspaper=Indian Express |location=Mumbai |date=27 July 2018 }}</ref>
As a counsel, he practices before the [[Supreme Court of India]] and the [[Delhi High Court|High Court of Delhi]].<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2076261680}} |title=Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala too has rights under Article 21, SC told |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=26 July 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2076507987}} |title=Sabarimala case: Deity living person, has right to privacy, women devotees to SC |newspaper=Indian Express |location=Mumbai |date=27 July 2018 }}</ref> Deepak has been a counsel in multiple cases, mostly in the domains of intellectual property (IP) and constitutional law, particularly in pharmaceutical patent and trademark disputes.

==Education==
==Education==


Deepak attended St. Anthony's High School, [[Hyderabad]]. He then completed his graduation in Mechanical Engineering from [[Anna University]]. He is a law graduate from [[IIT Kharagpur]]'s [[Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law]].<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2083283397}} |last1=Iyer |first1=Lakshmi |title=Small talk: The Deity's Advocate |newspaper=Mumbai Mirror |date=6 August 2018 }}</ref>
Deepak attended St. Anthony's High School, [[Hyderabad]]. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering from [[Anna University]] and completed law from [[IIT Kharagpur]]'s [[Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law]].<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2083283397}} |last1=Iyer |first1=Lakshmi |title=Small talk: The Deity's Advocate |newspaper=Mumbai Mirror |date=6 August 2018 }}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Deepak was one of the counsels for the [[Internet and Mobile Association of India]] vs. State of Uttar Pradesh case, later clubbed into the [[Shreya Singhal v. Union of India]] case.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shrivastava |first=Prachi |title=Behind the scenes: How 90+ lawyers & 3 judges created the biggest free speech judgment in more than half a century |url=https://www.legallyindia.com/the-bench-and-the-bar/behind-the-scenes-how-90-lawyers-3-judges-created-the-biggest-free-speech-judgment-in-more-than-half-a-century-20150401-5767 |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=www.legallyindia.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> The cases related to [[freedom of speech]] on social media, which had been severely curbed by the [[Information Technology Act, 2000]] which held posters criminally liable for their posts. The Supreme Court ruled Section 66 of the Act to be unconstitutional, and watered down Section 79 of the Act which had held intermediaries like tech companies responsible for illegal acts on their platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 March 2015 |title=Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India |url=https://main.sci.gov.in/pdf/aorexam/leading_cases/35.pdf |website=Supreme Court of India}}</ref>


=== Sabarimala ===
Deepak is most famous for his representations in the case on the [[Entry of women to Sabarimala|entry of women]] to [[Sabarimala Temple]]. He argued against the entry, stating that the Hindu deity [[Lord Ayyappa|Ayyappan]] observes ''naishtika [[brahmacharya]]'' ("lifelong celibacy").<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2019 |title=Written Submissions to the Supreme Court of India in the Sabarimala Temple Entry Case |url=https://peoplefordharma.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Sabarimala-Written-Submissions-1.pdf}}</ref> He further argued that the deity is a living being and thus can avail the [[constitution]]al rights of religious liberty and [[Freedom of religion in India|freedom of religion]] granted by Articles 21 and 25 of the [[Constitution of India]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 2018 |title=Sabarimala #5: Respondents Argue Every Instance of Exclusion Not Akin to Discrimination |url=https://www.scobserver.in/reports/indian-young-lawyers-association-v-state-of-kerala-sabarimala-temple-entry-day-5-arguments/ |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=Supreme Court Observer |language=en-US}}</ref> The Supreme Court allowed women's entry into the temple in a 4:1 verdict, with Justice [[Indu Malhotra]], the only female judge on the bench, dissenting.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 September 2018 |title=Indian Young Lawyers Association vs. The State of Kerala |url=https://www.scobserver.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/18956_2006_Judgement_28-Sep-2018.pdf |website=Supreme Court Observer}}</ref>
Deepak is most famous for his representations in the case on the [[Entry of women to Sabarimala|entry of women]] to [[Sabarimala Temple]]. He argued against the entry, stating that the Hindu deity [[Lord Ayyappa|Ayyappan]] observes ''naishtika [[brahmacharya]]'' ("lifelong celibacy").<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2019 |title=Written Submissions to the Supreme Court of India in the Sabarimala Temple Entry Case |url=https://peoplefordharma.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Sabarimala-Written-Submissions-1.pdf}}</ref> He further argued that the deity is a living being and thus can avail the [[constitution]]al rights of religious liberty and [[Freedom of religion in India|freedom of religion]] granted by Articles 21 and 25 of the [[Constitution of India]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 2018 |title=Sabarimala #5: Respondents Argue Every Instance of Exclusion Not Akin to Discrimination |url=https://www.scobserver.in/reports/indian-young-lawyers-association-v-state-of-kerala-sabarimala-temple-entry-day-5-arguments/ |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=Supreme Court Observer |language=en-US}}</ref> The Supreme Court allowed women's entry into the temple in a 4:1 verdict, with Justice [[Indu Malhotra]], the only female judge on the bench, dissenting.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 September 2018 |title=Indian Young Lawyers Association vs. The State of Kerala |url=https://www.scobserver.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/18956_2006_Judgement_28-Sep-2018.pdf |website=Supreme Court Observer}}</ref>


Deepak was also a counsel in a petition to allow priests of any caste to be priests at Sabarimala, the priesthood at the temple has historically been open to only [[Malayali Brahmin|Malayali Brahmins]]. Deepak argued that the norm was not caste discrimination, as [[Brahmin|Brahmins]] from other regions were also not allowed into the Sabarimala priesthood; he argued that this was the rule ordained by the deity and thus constitutionally protected by Articles 21 and 25, among other provisions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 February 2023 |title=Written Submissions in the Vishnunarayan vs State of Kerala case |url=https://www.peoplefordharma.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/14484_Written_Submission-3.pdf}}</ref> The case is still pending before the [[Kerala High Court]].
Deepak was also a counsel in a petition to allow priests of any caste to be priests at Sabarimala, the priesthood at the temple has historically been open to only [[Malayali Brahmin|Malayali Brahmins]]. Deepak argued that the norm was not caste discrimination, as [[Brahmin|Brahmins]] from other regions were also not allowed into the Sabarimala priesthood; he argued that this was the rule ordained by the deity and thus constitutionally protected by Articles 21 and 25, among other provisions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 February 2023 |title=Written Submissions in the Vishnunarayan vs State of Kerala case |url=https://www.peoplefordharma.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/14484_Written_Submission-3.pdf}}</ref> The case is still pending before the [[Kerala High Court]].


Deepak represented the [[Travancore royal family]] for their right to manage the estates of the [[Padmanabhaswamy Temple]] in [[Thiruvananthapuram|Thiruvanathpuram]]. Deepak used scriptures (eg. the ''Kerala Mahatmya''), historical documents and agreements entered into by the royal family to prove that the takeover of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple by the [[Government of Kerala|Kerala government]] was illegal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2019 |title=Written Submissions to the Supreme Court of India in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple Administration Case |url=https://peoplefordharma.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Padmanabhaswamy-Written-Submissions.pdf}}</ref> The Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of the family.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vishwanath |first=Apurva |date=2020-07-13 |title=Explained: Padmanabhaswamy temple case, and what the verdict means for the Travancore royal family |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-padmanabhaswamy-temple-case-and-what-verdict-means-for-travancore-royal-family-6503543/ |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 July 2020 |title=Sri Marthanda Varma vs State of Kerala |url=https://main.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2011/10179/10179_2011_32_1501_22898_Judgement_13-Jul-2020.pdf |website=Supreme Court of India}}</ref> Deepak was one of two counsels for a petitioner who accused the state government of apathy/involvement in the [[2021 West Bengal post-poll violence]]. The [[Calcutta High Court]] ruled in favor of the petitioners.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 August 2021 |title=Susheel Kumar Pandey & Ors. vs. State of West Bengal |url=https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/C4D1FAQFWj7TPr1VsCA/feedshare-document-pdf-analyzed/0/1629430980517?e=1708560000&v=beta&t=aFfEmFbITeErArYgEdeaBK5WvLmhbLQMiwOmm2nBh7Y |publisher=Calcutta High Court}}</ref>
Deepak represented the [[Travancore royal family]] for their right to manage the estates of the [[Padmanabhaswamy Temple]] in [[Thiruvananthapuram|Thiruvanathpuram]]. Deepak used scriptures (eg. the ''Kerala Mahatmya''), historical documents and agreements entered into by the royal family to prove that the takeover of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple by the [[Government of Kerala|Kerala government]] was illegal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2019 |title=Written Submissions to the Supreme Court of India in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple Administration Case |url=https://peoplefordharma.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Padmanabhaswamy-Written-Submissions.pdf}}</ref> The Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of the family.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vishwanath |first=Apurva |date=2020-07-13 |title=Explained: Padmanabhaswamy temple case, and what the verdict means for the Travancore royal family |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-padmanabhaswamy-temple-case-and-what-verdict-means-for-travancore-royal-family-6503543/ |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 July 2020 |title=Sri Marthanda Varma vs State of Kerala |url=https://main.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2011/10179/10179_2011_32_1501_22898_Judgement_13-Jul-2020.pdf |website=Supreme Court of India}}</ref>


=== Miscellaneous ===
A ''[[sub judice]]'' case Deepak is involved in is the [[Public interest litigation in India|public interest litigation (PIL)]] against the [[Marital Rape in India|marital rape exception]] in the [[Indian Penal Code]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Challenge to the Marital Rape Exception |url=https://www.scobserver.in/cases/challenge-to-the-marital-rape-exception/ |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=Supreme Court Observer |language=en-US}}</ref> Deepak argued that the [[Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005]] already provides recourse for victims of marital rape, and that any further legislation on the issue needs to come from the Parliament, because the judiciary does not have the power to create new laws.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sachdev |first=Vakasha |date=2022-01-28 |title=Marital Rape: Defenders of Exception Say Marriage Ground for Different Treatment |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/law/delhi-hc-marital-rape-exception-j-sai-deepak-arguments-retain-exception-2-rk-kapoor |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 January 2022 |title=Final Written Submissions On Behalf of The Men's Welfare Trust |url=https://lawbeat.in/sites/default/files/Mens_Welfare_Trust_Submissions_Marital_Rape_JSD_ADV_LINK_0.pdf |website=LawBeat}}</ref> The Delhi High Court delivered a split verdict which agreed that the Parliament had jurisdiction over the issue;<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 May 2022 |title=(Judgement of) W.P. (C) 284/2015 & CM Nos. 54525-26/2018 |url=https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/ras11052022cw2842015190346-417219.pdf |website=Delhi High Court}}</ref> the petitioners filed an appeal against the decision with the Supreme Court.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Soibam Rocky Singh & Jagriti Chandra |first= |date=2022-05-11 |title=Delhi HC delivers split verdict on marital rape |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-high-court-delivers-split-verdict-on-marital-rape/article65403832.ece |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-02-03 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
A ''[[sub judice]]'' case Deepak is involved in is the [[Public interest litigation in India|public interest litigation (PIL)]] against the [[Marital Rape in India|marital rape exception]] in the [[Indian Penal Code]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Challenge to the Marital Rape Exception |url=https://www.scobserver.in/cases/challenge-to-the-marital-rape-exception/ |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=Supreme Court Observer |language=en-US}}</ref> Deepak argued that the [[Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005]] already provides recourse for victims of marital rape, and that any further legislation on the issue needs to come from the Parliament, because the judiciary does not have the power to create new laws.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sachdev |first=Vakasha |date=2022-01-28 |title=Marital Rape: Defenders of Exception Say Marriage Ground for Different Treatment |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/law/delhi-hc-marital-rape-exception-j-sai-deepak-arguments-retain-exception-2-rk-kapoor |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 January 2022 |title=Final Written Submissions On Behalf of The Men's Welfare Trust |url=https://lawbeat.in/sites/default/files/Mens_Welfare_Trust_Submissions_Marital_Rape_JSD_ADV_LINK_0.pdf |website=LawBeat}}</ref> The Delhi High Court delivered a split verdict which agreed that the Parliament had jurisdiction over the issue;<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 May 2022 |title=(Judgement of) W.P. (C) 284/2015 & CM Nos. 54525-26/2018 |url=https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/ras11052022cw2842015190346-417219.pdf |website=Delhi High Court}}</ref> the petitioners filed an appeal against the decision with the Supreme Court.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Soibam Rocky Singh & Jagriti Chandra |first= |date=2022-05-11 |title=Delhi HC delivers split verdict on marital rape |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-high-court-delivers-split-verdict-on-marital-rape/article65403832.ece |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-02-03 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

Deepak argued against the PIL seeking legal recognition for [[Same-sex marriage in India|same-sex marriage]]. His premise for this case was the same as for the marital rape criminalization, that is, the judiciary does not have the power to create new laws. When the opposing counsels contended that the Constitution was a progressive liberal document, Deepak contended that it did have room for social conservatism.<ref>{{Cite web |last=B |first=Kanchan |date=2023-05-10 |title=Petitioners Have A Cause, But No Case: Read Advocate Sai Deepak's Arguments In Same Sex Marriage Case |url=https://www.verdictum.in/court-updates/supreme-court/same-sex-marriage-constitution-bench-sai-deepak-1475777 |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=www.verdictum.in |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 October 2023 |title=Judgement Plea for Marital Equality |url=https://www.scobserver.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Judgement-Plea-for-Marriage-Equality.pdf |website=Supreme Court Observer |pages=62–63}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 May 2023 |title=Written Submissions In Same Sex Marriage Case |url=https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/D4D1FAQFWcmpYvqsdXw/feedshare-document-pdf-analyzed/0/1683775456750?e=1708560000&v=beta&t=Ts_ohOqfd3g9yVDbDUaYbNuZMXDm2LRU0B9NLWdRO9o}}</ref> He also argued that granting legal status to same-sex marriage would open up the entire marital law corpus to new litigation, as the old definitions for divorce, adoption, inheritance, domestic violence, surrogacy as well as other laws would become obsolete.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tripathi |first=Shishir |date=2023-10-20 |editor-last=Alam |editor-first=Majid |title=Agree with SC's Majority View, Adoption Can't Merely be Decided by Law: Sai Deepak on Same-sex Marriage |url=https://www.news18.com/explainers/agree-with-scs-majority-view-adoption-cant-merely-be-decided-by-law-sai-deepak-on-same-sex-marriage-8626194.html |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 2023 |title=Transcript of WP (Civil) 1011 of 2022 Hearing dated 10.05.2023 |url=https://main.sci.gov.in/pdf/LU/15052023_112003.pdf |website=Supreme Court of India |pages=34–39}}</ref> The Supreme Court denied recognition and marital rights in a 3:2 verdict, ceding the prerogative over the issue to the legislature.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kalia |first=Saumya |date=2023-10-18 |title=Supreme Court's verdict on same-sex marriages {{!}} Explained |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-courts-verdict-on-same-sex-marriages-explained/article67429494.ece |access-date=2023-11-23 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


Deepak was the counsel for [[Anand Ranganathan]] in the [[Contempt of court in India|contempt of court]] case against the former for endorsing the criticism of Justice [[S. Muralidhar]] by [[S Gurumurthy]] and [[Vivek Agnihotri]]. The Justice had cancelled the arrest of [[Gautam Navlakha]], who had allegedly contributed to the incitement of the [[2018 Bhima Koregaon violence]].<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2817965951}} |title='Am a free speech absolutist': Author Anand Ranganathan in contempt case |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=24 May 2023 }}</ref> Deepak argued that Ranganathan merely supported the right of the Justice's critics to criticize him as part of their [[freedom of expression]], and that Ranganathan himself did not agree with the criticisms. The Delhi High Court closed the proceedings against Ranganathan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thapliyal |first=Nupur |date=2024-01-03 |title=Delhi High Court Closes Proceedings Against Anand Ranganathan In Criminal Contempt Case For Tweets Against Justice S Muralidhar |url=https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/delhi-high-court/delhi-high-court-anand-ranganathan-criminal-contempt-case-tweets-justice-s-muralidhar-245737 |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=www.livelaw.in |language=en}}</ref>
Deepak was the counsel for [[Anand Ranganathan]] in the [[Contempt of court in India|contempt of court]] case against the former for endorsing the criticism of Justice [[S. Muralidhar]] by [[S Gurumurthy]] and [[Vivek Agnihotri]]. The Justice had cancelled the arrest of [[Gautam Navlakha]], who had allegedly contributed to the incitement of the [[2018 Bhima Koregaon violence]].<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2817965951}} |title='Am a free speech absolutist': Author Anand Ranganathan in contempt case |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=24 May 2023 }}</ref> Deepak argued that Ranganathan merely supported the right of the Justice's critics to criticize him as part of their [[freedom of expression]], and that Ranganathan himself did not agree with the criticisms. The Delhi High Court closed the proceedings against Ranganathan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thapliyal |first=Nupur |date=2024-01-03 |title=Delhi High Court Closes Proceedings Against Anand Ranganathan In Criminal Contempt Case For Tweets Against Justice S Muralidhar |url=https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/delhi-high-court/delhi-high-court-anand-ranganathan-criminal-contempt-case-tweets-justice-s-muralidhar-245737 |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=www.livelaw.in |language=en}}</ref>


Deepak is also the counsel for the [[Benares State|royal family of Kashi]] in the case demanding a [[constitutional review]] of the [[Places of Worship Act, 1991]], which freezes the status of all disputed religious structures as they were before Independence Day (15 August 1947).<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2711835121}} |title=Supreme Court to hear pleas challenging constitutional validity of Places of Worship Act on October 11 |newspaper=Financial Express |location=New Delhi |date=9 September 2022 }}</ref>
Deepak is also the counsel for the [[Benares State|royal family of Kashi]] in the case demanding a [[constitutional review]] of the [[Places of Worship Act, 1991]], which freezes the status of all disputed religious structures as they were before Independence Day (15 August 1947).<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2711835121}} |title=Supreme Court to hear pleas challenging constitutional validity of Places of Worship Act on October 11 |newspaper=Financial Express |location=New Delhi |date=9 September 2022 }}</ref>

=== Intellectual property cases ===
Deepak was one of the counsels working under leading counsel [[Salman Khurshid]] for the [[Competition Commission of India]] (CCI) in a case filed by the Swedish telecom major [[Ericsson]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson ... vs Competition Commission Of India And ... on 30 March, 2016 |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/164770226/ |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=indiankanoon.org}}</ref> The CCI had ruled against Ericsson in a case filed by the Indian smartphone companies [[Micromax Informatics]] and [[Intex Technologies]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 November 2013 |title=Micromax Informatics Limited vs Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ.) |url=https://www.cci.gov.in/antitrust/orders/details/307/0 |website=Competition Commission of India}}</ref> where they alleged that Ericsson had used its dominant portfolio of [[GSM]] technology to solicit unfair royalties and derail their [[IPOs]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muralidharan |first=Sahithya |date=2016-07-12 |title=Ericsson v. Micromax - A Kick-Start to SEP-FRAND Antitrust Jurisprudence in India |url=https://competitionlawblog.kluwercompetitionlaw.com/2016/07/13/ericsson-v-micromax-a-kick-start-to-the-sep-frand-antitrust-jurisprudence-in-india/ |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=Kluwer Competition Law Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> Ericsson alleged that the CCI did not have jurisdiction over the case. The Delhi High Court ruled that the CCI did have jurisdiction over the case, in a landmark ruling on [[antitrust]] law in India.

Deepak was one of the counsels for [[Greenpeace]] in a case filed by [[Tata Sons]] alleging trademark infringement by the former through its 'Turtle vs. Tata' online game. The game displayed the endangered [[Olive ridley sea turtle|Olive ridley sea turtles]] fighting against the Tata logo, referring to the risk posed to the turtles due to the construction of [[Dhamra Port]] by Tata Sons.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vaughan |first=Adam |date=2010-07-26 |title=Tata to sue Greenpeace over turtle game |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/jul/26/tata-sue-greenpeace-turtle-game |access-date=2024-02-13 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Justice [[S. Ravindra Bhat]] of the Delhi High Court (later a Supreme Court judge) ruled that the parody game did not infringe on the trademark, in a ruling seen as a landmark for freedom of expression.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2011 |title=Tata Sons Limited v. Greenpeace International |url=https://globalfreedomofexpression.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Tata-Sons-Limited-v.-Greenpeace-International.pdf |website=Global Freedom of Expression, Columbia University |publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tata Sons Limited v. Greenpeace International |url=https://globalfreedomofexpression.columbia.edu/cases/tata-sons-limited-v-greenpeace-international/ |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=Global Freedom of Expression, Columbia University |language=en}}</ref>

Deepak was involved in the [[Basmati|Basmati rice]] [[Geographical indication|Geographical Indication]] dispute where he represented the [[Government of Madhya Pradesh]]. The Delhi High Court in a 2019 judgement voided the central government's exclusion of [[Madhya Pradesh]] from the list of states granted the right to grow Basmati rice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Delhi High Court |date=2019-04-25 |title=Judgement for the State of Madhya Pradesh vs Union of India case |url=https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/pdf_upload-360416.pdf |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=LiveLaw |language=}}</ref> Deepak was the leading counsel for [[USV (company)|USV]], Micro Labs and MSN Laboratories in a case filed by [[AstraZeneca]] alleging [[patent infringement]] by Indian companies manufacturing [[Dapagliflozin]], which AstraZeneca held the patent for. The Delhi High Court did not grant an [[injunction]] in 2020;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Astrazeneca Ab & Anr. vs Micro Labs Limited on 18 November, 2020 |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/18772769/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=indiankanoon.org}}</ref> and dismissed the case in 2021 after directing AstraZeneca to reimburse the legal costs for all the defendants.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Astrazeneca Ab & Anr. vs Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited on 20 July, 2021 |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/60901055/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=indiankanoon.org}}</ref>

Deepak was the arguing counsel for [[BharatPe]] in a case filed by [[PhonePe]] alleging trademark infringement by the former who had used the word 'Pe' (a play on Pay) in its trademark, which the latter claimed it had the trademark for. The Delhi High Court dismissed the case and granted the trademark to BharatPe.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 August 2022 |title=PhonePe Private Limited vs. Ezy Services & Anr. |url=https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/D4D1FAQGAP1VU-fytPg/feedshare-document-pdf-analyzed/0/1666238412416?e=1708560000&v=beta&t=a_zfB3oQnYIPXXmAO-i7DX_xWc9Ih5aokqksgB5CniA |publisher=Delhi High Court}}</ref> Deepak was also the arguing counsel for [[Tube Investments of India Limited]] where they alleged that Jagdamba Enterprises had infringed on their trademark for the 'Diamond' brand of automobile parts by selling counterfeits under the same name. The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Tube.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 June 2022 |title=Tube Investments of India Limited vs. Jagdamba Enterprises |url=https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/D4D1FAQGWgxxhF6YE4Q/feedshare-document-pdf-analyzed/0/1665985442850?e=1708560000&v=beta&t=YgpDp9UGgxmPPIeMNNow0UFz_BtBpOBfPAv_-PMDqRw |publisher=Delhi High Court}}</ref>

Deepak was the leading counsel for [[Natco Pharma]] in a case where [[FMC Corporation]] claimed [[Process patent|process patents]] for production of [[chlorantraniliprole]]. A Division Bench of the Delhi High Court dismissed the patent claims and directed FMC to reimburse Natco for the legal costs incurred.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2022 |title=FMC Corporation vs Natco Pharma |url=https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/C4D1FAQHbf2XO68KC1Q/feedshare-document-pdf-analyzed/0/1670250273701?e=1708560000&v=beta&t=T6dHCqFmv8B1Q9q8EKE5jVlrrob6STOggPT2YI-Ee8Q |publisher=Delhi High Court}}</ref> Deepak has also been the leading counsel for Natco in three other patent disputes. In the first case, Swedish pharma major [[Novartis]] claimed Natco had infringed on its patent for [[Entresto]] by manufacturing a [[Valsartan]] and [[Sacubitril]] combination medication similar to Entresto.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pilla |first=Viswanath |date=2023-01-13 |title=Natco Plea: Delhi high court sets aside Novartis patent |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/natco-plea-delhi-high-court-sets-aside-novartis-patent/articleshow/96948659.cms?from=mdr |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-02-09 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> The Delhi High Court nullified the patent granted to Novartis as the it was ruled to be in violation of statutory provisions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 January 2023 |title=Natco Pharma vs Novartis AG |url=https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/C4D1FAQE5zfTdBiAx1g/feedshare-document-pdf-analyzed/0/1673783633693?e=1708560000&v=beta&t=4hj9X2LON-D4i_Jt8sJEkRz9Pmp334oVDQHlnQOfp5g |publisher=Delhi High Court}}</ref> In the second case, the German pharma major [[Boehringer Ingelheim]] claimed Natco and other Indian pharma companies had infringed on its patent for [[Linagliptin]]. The Delhi High Court dismissed the case and ordered Boehringer Ingelheim to reimburse Natco and the other defendants for their costs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2023 |title=Boehringer Ingelheim vs. Natco Pharma & Others |url=https://dhccaseinfo.nic.in/jupload/dhc/ABL/judgement/29-03-2023/ABL29032023SC2362022_163714.pdf |website=Delhi High Court}}</ref>

Deepak was the leading counsel for Suncity Sheets in a case filed by [[Jindal Stainless Limited]] (Hisar) claiming that Suncity had infringed on their trademark by using the name 'Jindal' in their product names. The Delhi High Court dismissed the case in a ruling which further defined the [[cause of action]] principle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jindal Stainless (Hisar) Ltd. vs Suncity Sheets Private Limited And Anr. ... on 30 January, 2023 |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/41837848/?type=print |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=indiankanoon.org}}</ref> Deepak was also a leading counsel for Natco Pharma in a case filed by the German pharma major [[Bayer]] seeking the [[evergreening]] of its patent for [[Regorafenib]]. The Delhi High Court dismissed the case.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bayer Healthcare Llc vs Natco Pharma Limited on 5 July, 2023 |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/130225488/?type=print |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=indiankanoon.org}}</ref>

Deepak was the leading counsel for MSN and [[Dr. Reddy's Laboratories]] in a case filed by [[CSL Vifor]]'s Indian arm alleging infringement on its patent for [[ferric carboxymaltose]], a supplement used to treat [[anemia]]. The Delhi High Court dismissed the claim.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 July 2023 |title=Vifor International Ltd. vs. MSN Laboratories & Ors. |url=https://dhccaseinfo.nic.in/jupload/dhc/JIS/judgement/25-07-2023/JIS24072023SC2612021_210538.pdf |website=Delhi High Court}}</ref> Deepak was also the leading counsel for [[Avenue Supermarts]] (trade name DMart) in a trademark dispute where Dolphin Mart claimed it had the sole right to use the name DMart. The Delhi High Court rejected the claim.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dolphin Mart Private Limited vs Avenue Supermarts Limited & Anr. on 21 August, 2023 |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/10209794/?type=print |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=indiankanoon.org}}</ref>


==Views==
==Views==
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Deepak is a [[Hindutva]] activist. He believes that the several good qualities of the [[Vedanga|knowledge systems]] of [[Vedic civilisation|ancient Hindu civilization]], mixed with the good qualities of [[Prussian education system|modern Education]] systems, can be a template for [[Education in India|modern Indian education]] systems, which he considers to have multiple drawbacks.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/j-sai-deepak-is-wrong-indian-democracy-is-not-hindu-will-8690455/ |last=Sijoria |first=Siddharth |title=J Sai Deepak is wrong: Indian democracy is not Hindu will|date=28 June 2023 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2023/07/24/isolation-conservatism-and-buzzwords-what-drives-the-lucrative-market-for-right-wing-influencers|last=Sen |first=Raj Shekhar |title=Isolation, conservatism and buzzwords: What drives the lucrative market for right-wing influencers|date=24 July 2023 |website=[[newslaundry]]}}</ref> He opposes the [[Dravidian movement]] and [[Periyar|Periyarite]] thought, and claims they are Western interventions in Southern Indian faultlines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=T. Mayura Priyan |date=2023-10-08 |title=Sanatana Dharma and the Dravidian Movement: A response to J. Sai Deepak — 2 – The Leaflet |url=https://theleaflet.in/sanatana-dharma-and-the-dravidian-movement-a-response-to-j-sai-deepak-2/ |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=theleaflet.in |language=en-US}}</ref> He was criticized for his article where he discussed limitations imposed by the Indian Constitution against Hindu majoritarian expression. He had criticized the provisions for Hindu majority authority being subject to judicial review and being overruled if it conflicts with constitutional morality.<ref name=":0" />
Deepak is a [[Hindutva]] activist. He believes that the several good qualities of the [[Vedanga|knowledge systems]] of [[Vedic civilisation|ancient Hindu civilization]], mixed with the good qualities of [[Prussian education system|modern Education]] systems, can be a template for [[Education in India|modern Indian education]] systems, which he considers to have multiple drawbacks.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/j-sai-deepak-is-wrong-indian-democracy-is-not-hindu-will-8690455/ |last=Sijoria |first=Siddharth |title=J Sai Deepak is wrong: Indian democracy is not Hindu will|date=28 June 2023 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2023/07/24/isolation-conservatism-and-buzzwords-what-drives-the-lucrative-market-for-right-wing-influencers|last=Sen |first=Raj Shekhar |title=Isolation, conservatism and buzzwords: What drives the lucrative market for right-wing influencers|date=24 July 2023 |website=[[newslaundry]]}}</ref> He opposes the [[Dravidian movement]] and [[Periyar|Periyarite]] thought, and claims they are Western interventions in Southern Indian faultlines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=T. Mayura Priyan |date=2023-10-08 |title=Sanatana Dharma and the Dravidian Movement: A response to J. Sai Deepak — 2 – The Leaflet |url=https://theleaflet.in/sanatana-dharma-and-the-dravidian-movement-a-response-to-j-sai-deepak-2/ |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=theleaflet.in |language=en-US}}</ref> He was criticized for his article where he discussed limitations imposed by the Indian Constitution against Hindu majoritarian expression. He had criticized the provisions for Hindu majority authority being subject to judicial review and being overruled if it conflicts with constitutional morality.<ref name=":0" />


Deepak's talks on the Karnataka hijab ban at [[St. Stephen's College, Delhi|St. Stephen's College]], and on minority rights at [[Jamia Millia Islamia]] respectively, were cancelled despite receiving permission in what was termed by some journalists as the advent of [[cancel culture]] and [[deplatforming]] in India.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Utpal |date=2022-02-28 |title=The issue with St. Stephen's College isn't just confined to cancel culture; its very DNA is a problem |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/the-issue-with-st-stephens-college-isnt-just-confined-to-cancel-culture-its-very-dna-is-a-problem-10415281.html |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref> Deepak's talk on the [[Uniform Civil Code]] in [[Bengaluru]] at a Karnataka Bar Association event was faced with opposition from a group of lawyers who wanted the event to be cancelled in an attempted case of deplatforming, but it wasn't.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shukla |first=Suchita |date=2023-09-01 |title=Karnataka Bar Council Ignores Demand By Lawyers' Organisation To Cancel Sai Deepak's Talk On UCC, Event Witnesses Huge Crowd |url=https://www.verdictum.in/news/uniform-civil-code-all-india-lawyers-association-for-justice-1492654 |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=www.verdictum.in |language=en}}</ref>
Deepak's talks on the Karnataka hijab ban at [[St. Stephen's College, Delhi|St. Stephen's College]], and on minority rights at [[Jamia Millia Islamia]] respectively, were cancelled despite receiving permission in what was termed by some journalists as the advent of [[cancel culture]] and [[deplatforming]] in India.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Utpal |date=2022-02-28 |title=The issue with St. Stephen's College isn't just confined to cancel culture; its very DNA is a problem |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/the-issue-with-st-stephens-college-isnt-just-confined-to-cancel-culture-its-very-dna-is-a-problem-10415281.html |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref> Deepak's talk on the [[Uniform Civil Code]] in [[Bengaluru]] at a Karnataka Bar Association event was faced with opposition from a group of lawyers who wanted the event to be cancelled in an attempted case of deplatforming, but it wasn't.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shukla |first=Suchita |date=2023-09-01 |title=Karnataka Bar Council Ignores Demand By Lawyers' Organisation To Cancel Sai Deepak's Talk On UCC, Event Witnesses Huge Crowd |url=https://www.verdictum.in/news/uniform-civil-code-all-india-lawyers-association-for-justice-1492654 |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=www.verdictum.in |language=en}}</ref>

Deepak was criticized for his statements on the BeerBiceps podcast hosted by Ranveer Allahbadia. The host had asked him to name three people he would like to see permanently leave India, he named [[Barkha Dutt]], [[Irfan Habib]] and [[Romila Thapar]], and reasoned that they had propagated anti-national thought. As a result, these three faced online trolling where they were asked to leave the country.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Abhishek |date=9 August 2023 |title='BeerBiceps' Interview of J. Sai Deepak Violates Community Standards, But YouTube Won't Take It Down |url=https://thewire.in/tech/beerbiceps-j-sai-deepak-youtube-violations |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=The Wire}}</ref>


Deepak has participated in multiple debates, the prominent ones being with [[Saurabh Kirpal]] on same sex marriage;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Vandana |date=2023-07-20 |title=Can Parliament be trusted with LGBTQ rights? Star lawyers Sai Deepak, Saurabh Kirpal debate |url=https://theprint.in/feature/around-town/can-parliament-be-trusted-with-lgbtq-rights-star-lawyers-sai-deepak-saurabh-kirpal-debate/1676638/ |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> with [[S. Y. Quraishi]] and [[Manish Tewari]] on the Uniform Civil Code;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=2023-08-06 |title=Debate without draft Uniform Civil Code is a non-issue, says ex-CEC S.Y. Quraishi |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/debate-without-draft-uniform-civil-code-is-a-non-issue-says-ex-cec-sy-quraishi/article67164351.ece |access-date=2024-02-14 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> with [[Shashi Tharoor]] on decoloniality;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kabilan |first=Kannalmozhi |date=2021-09-11 |title=The reality of the nationalism debate |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2021/Sep/11/the-reality-of-thenationalism-debate-2357071.html |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> and with AG Krishna Menon and [[Sanjay Nirupam]] on nationalism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decolonising India: Is Bharat trying to reinvent itself? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/decolonising-india-bharat-attempts-to-reinvent-debate-authors-mumbai-conclave-2293403-2022-11-04 |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Deepak is also a frequent orator, having spoken at multiple universities, as well as at literature and cultural festivals.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-12-18 |title=Those in power must be held accountable |url=https://starofmysore.com/those-in-power-must-be-held-accountable/ |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Star of Mysore |language=en-US}}</ref>
Deepak has participated in multiple debates, the prominent ones being with [[Saurabh Kirpal]] on same sex marriage;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Vandana |date=2023-07-20 |title=Can Parliament be trusted with LGBTQ rights? Star lawyers Sai Deepak, Saurabh Kirpal debate |url=https://theprint.in/feature/around-town/can-parliament-be-trusted-with-lgbtq-rights-star-lawyers-sai-deepak-saurabh-kirpal-debate/1676638/ |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> with [[S. Y. Quraishi]] and [[Manish Tewari]] on the Uniform Civil Code;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=2023-08-06 |title=Debate without draft Uniform Civil Code is a non-issue, says ex-CEC S.Y. Quraishi |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/debate-without-draft-uniform-civil-code-is-a-non-issue-says-ex-cec-sy-quraishi/article67164351.ece |access-date=2024-02-14 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> with [[Shashi Tharoor]] on decoloniality;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kabilan |first=Kannalmozhi |date=2021-09-11 |title=The reality of the nationalism debate |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2021/Sep/11/the-reality-of-thenationalism-debate-2357071.html |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> and with AG Krishna Menon and [[Sanjay Nirupam]] on nationalism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decolonising India: Is Bharat trying to reinvent itself? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/decolonising-india-bharat-attempts-to-reinvent-debate-authors-mumbai-conclave-2293403-2022-11-04 |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Deepak is also a frequent orator, having spoken at multiple universities, as well as at literature and cultural festivals.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-12-18 |title=Those in power must be held accountable |url=https://starofmysore.com/those-in-power-must-be-held-accountable/ |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Star of Mysore |language=en-US}}</ref>
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==Publications==
==Publications==
===Books===
===Books===
* ''India That Is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, Constitution''. [[New Delhi]]: [[Bloomsbury Publishing|Bloomsbury]]. 2021. {{ISBN|978-93-5435-249-2}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basu |first=Prasenjit K. |date=2021-10-16 |title=Book transforms the discourse about 'coloniality' in Bharat |url=https://sundayguardianlive.com/news/book-transforms-discourse-coloniality-bharat |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=The Sunday Guardian Live |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''India That Is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, Constitution''. [[New Delhi]]: [[Bloomsbury Publishing|Bloomsbury]]. 2021. {{ISBN|978-93-5435-249-2}}.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sen |first=Anandaroop |date=2023-05-04 |title=J Sai Deepak’s India that is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, Constitution . Bloomsbury 2021 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02533952.2023.2236899 |journal=Social Dynamics |language=en |volume=49 |issue=2 |pages=376–385 |doi=10.1080/02533952.2023.2236899 |issn=0253-3952}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yadav |first=Yogendra |date=2022-05-06 |title=India needs to challenge colonialism in its own language. But solution isn't Hindu worldview |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/india-needs-to-challenge-colonialism-in-its-own-language-but-solution-isnt-hindu-worldview/944406/ |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''India, Bharat and Pakistan: The Constitutional Journey of a Sandwiched Civilisation''. New Delhi: Bloomsbury. 2022. {{ISBN|978-93-5435-301-7}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Utpal |date=2022-09-06 |title=How India, a victim of conflicting colonialities, is coming out of slumber to reboot its tampered mind |url=https://www.firstpost.com/opinion-news-expert-views-news-analysis-firstpost-viewpoint/how-india-a-victim-of-conflicting-colonialities-is-coming-out-of-slumber-to-reboot-its-tampered-mind-11191361.html |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yadav |first=Yogendra |date=2022-05-06 |title=India needs to challenge colonialism in its own language. But solution isn't Hindu worldview |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/india-needs-to-challenge-colonialism-in-its-own-language-but-solution-isnt-hindu-worldview/944406/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2754825320}} |title=Re-Discovering Bharat |newspaper=Star of Mysore |date=16 December 2022 }}</ref>
* ''India, Bharat and Pakistan: The Constitutional Journey of a Sandwiched Civilisation''. New Delhi: Bloomsbury. 2022. {{ISBN|978-93-5435-301-7}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Utpal |date=2022-09-06 |title=How India, a victim of conflicting colonialities, is coming out of slumber to reboot its tampered mind |url=https://www.firstpost.com/opinion-news-expert-views-news-analysis-firstpost-viewpoint/how-india-a-victim-of-conflicting-colonialities-is-coming-out-of-slumber-to-reboot-its-tampered-mind-11191361.html |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yadav |first=Yogendra |date=2022-05-06 |title=India needs to challenge colonialism in its own language. But solution isn't Hindu worldview |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/india-needs-to-challenge-colonialism-in-its-own-language-but-solution-isnt-hindu-worldview/944406/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2754825320}} |title=Re-Discovering Bharat |newspaper=Star of Mysore |date=16 December 2022 }}</ref>


Revision as of 17:03, 3 March 2024

J. Sai Deepak
File:Jsaidepak.jpg
Deepak At Event Organised by PES University
Born1985 (age 38–39)
Hyderabad, India
Education
Alma mater
Occupation(s)Lawyer, writer
Websitejsaideepak.com

J. Sai Deepak (born 1985) is an Indian Hindutva activist, lawyer, and writer.[1] As a counsel, he practices before the Supreme Court of India and the High Court of Delhi.[2][3]

Education

Deepak attended St. Anthony's High School, Hyderabad. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University and completed law from IIT Kharagpur's Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law.[4]

Career

Sabarimala

Deepak is most famous for his representations in the case on the entry of women to Sabarimala Temple. He argued against the entry, stating that the Hindu deity Ayyappan observes naishtika brahmacharya ("lifelong celibacy").[5] He further argued that the deity is a living being and thus can avail the constitutional rights of religious liberty and freedom of religion granted by Articles 21 and 25 of the Constitution of India.[6] The Supreme Court allowed women's entry into the temple in a 4:1 verdict, with Justice Indu Malhotra, the only female judge on the bench, dissenting.[7]

Deepak was also a counsel in a petition to allow priests of any caste to be priests at Sabarimala, the priesthood at the temple has historically been open to only Malayali Brahmins. Deepak argued that the norm was not caste discrimination, as Brahmins from other regions were also not allowed into the Sabarimala priesthood; he argued that this was the rule ordained by the deity and thus constitutionally protected by Articles 21 and 25, among other provisions.[8] The case is still pending before the Kerala High Court.

Deepak represented the Travancore royal family for their right to manage the estates of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvanathpuram. Deepak used scriptures (eg. the Kerala Mahatmya), historical documents and agreements entered into by the royal family to prove that the takeover of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple by the Kerala government was illegal.[9] The Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of the family.[10][11]

Miscellaneous

A sub judice case Deepak is involved in is the public interest litigation (PIL) against the marital rape exception in the Indian Penal Code.[12] Deepak argued that the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 already provides recourse for victims of marital rape, and that any further legislation on the issue needs to come from the Parliament, because the judiciary does not have the power to create new laws.[13][14] The Delhi High Court delivered a split verdict which agreed that the Parliament had jurisdiction over the issue;[15] the petitioners filed an appeal against the decision with the Supreme Court.[16]

Deepak was the counsel for Anand Ranganathan in the contempt of court case against the former for endorsing the criticism of Justice S. Muralidhar by S Gurumurthy and Vivek Agnihotri. The Justice had cancelled the arrest of Gautam Navlakha, who had allegedly contributed to the incitement of the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence.[17] Deepak argued that Ranganathan merely supported the right of the Justice's critics to criticize him as part of their freedom of expression, and that Ranganathan himself did not agree with the criticisms. The Delhi High Court closed the proceedings against Ranganathan.[18]

Deepak is also the counsel for the royal family of Kashi in the case demanding a constitutional review of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which freezes the status of all disputed religious structures as they were before Independence Day (15 August 1947).[19]

Views

Deepak writes two blogs, one named Yukti on constitutional theory and legal philosophy; and one named The Demanding Mistress on civil, commercial and intellectual property law. An article in the latter blog was cited by the Madras High Court in its decision on the TVS Motor Company vs. Bajaj Auto Limited intellectual property dispute.[20]

Deepak is a Hindutva activist. He believes that the several good qualities of the knowledge systems of ancient Hindu civilization, mixed with the good qualities of modern Education systems, can be a template for modern Indian education systems, which he considers to have multiple drawbacks.[21][22] He opposes the Dravidian movement and Periyarite thought, and claims they are Western interventions in Southern Indian faultlines.[23] He was criticized for his article where he discussed limitations imposed by the Indian Constitution against Hindu majoritarian expression. He had criticized the provisions for Hindu majority authority being subject to judicial review and being overruled if it conflicts with constitutional morality.[21]

Deepak's talks on the Karnataka hijab ban at St. Stephen's College, and on minority rights at Jamia Millia Islamia respectively, were cancelled despite receiving permission in what was termed by some journalists as the advent of cancel culture and deplatforming in India.[24] Deepak's talk on the Uniform Civil Code in Bengaluru at a Karnataka Bar Association event was faced with opposition from a group of lawyers who wanted the event to be cancelled in an attempted case of deplatforming, but it wasn't.[25]

Deepak has participated in multiple debates, the prominent ones being with Saurabh Kirpal on same sex marriage;[26] with S. Y. Quraishi and Manish Tewari on the Uniform Civil Code;[27] with Shashi Tharoor on decoloniality;[28] and with AG Krishna Menon and Sanjay Nirupam on nationalism.[29] Deepak is also a frequent orator, having spoken at multiple universities, as well as at literature and cultural festivals.[30]

Publications

Books

  • India That Is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, Constitution. New Delhi: Bloomsbury. 2021. ISBN 978-93-5435-249-2.[31][32]
  • India, Bharat and Pakistan: The Constitutional Journey of a Sandwiched Civilisation. New Delhi: Bloomsbury. 2022. ISBN 978-93-5435-301-7.[33][34][35]

References

  1. ^ Kunnummal, Ashraf (2023-08-22). "Islamic Liberation Theology and Decolonial Studies: The Case of Hindutva Extractivism". Religions. 14 (9). MDPI AG: 1080. doi:10.3390/rel14091080. ISSN 2077-1444. Of the Hindutva propagandists who deploy decolonial studies, J. Sai Deepak is the only one who has written substantively on it.
  2. ^ "Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala too has rights under Article 21, SC told". Indo-Asian News Service. 26 July 2018. ProQuest 2076261680.
  3. ^ "Sabarimala case: Deity living person, has right to privacy, women devotees to SC". Indian Express. Mumbai. 27 July 2018. ProQuest 2076507987.
  4. ^ Iyer, Lakshmi (6 August 2018). "Small talk: The Deity's Advocate". Mumbai Mirror. ProQuest 2083283397.
  5. ^ "Written Submissions to the Supreme Court of India in the Sabarimala Temple Entry Case" (PDF). February 2019.
  6. ^ "Sabarimala #5: Respondents Argue Every Instance of Exclusion Not Akin to Discrimination". Supreme Court Observer. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
  7. ^ "Indian Young Lawyers Association vs. The State of Kerala" (PDF). Supreme Court Observer. 28 September 2018.
  8. ^ "Written Submissions in the Vishnunarayan vs State of Kerala case" (PDF). 22 February 2023.
  9. ^ "Written Submissions to the Supreme Court of India in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple Administration Case" (PDF). April 2019.
  10. ^ Vishwanath, Apurva (2020-07-13). "Explained: Padmanabhaswamy temple case, and what the verdict means for the Travancore royal family". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
  11. ^ "Sri Marthanda Varma vs State of Kerala" (PDF). Supreme Court of India. 13 July 2020.
  12. ^ "Challenge to the Marital Rape Exception". Supreme Court Observer. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
  13. ^ Sachdev, Vakasha (2022-01-28). "Marital Rape: Defenders of Exception Say Marriage Ground for Different Treatment". TheQuint. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  14. ^ "Final Written Submissions On Behalf of The Men's Welfare Trust" (PDF). LawBeat. 27 January 2022.
  15. ^ "(Judgement of) W.P. (C) 284/2015 & CM Nos. 54525-26/2018" (PDF). Delhi High Court. 11 May 2022.
  16. ^ Soibam Rocky Singh & Jagriti Chandra (2022-05-11). "Delhi HC delivers split verdict on marital rape". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  17. ^ "'Am a free speech absolutist': Author Anand Ranganathan in contempt case". Indo-Asian News Service. 24 May 2023. ProQuest 2817965951.
  18. ^ Thapliyal, Nupur (2024-01-03). "Delhi High Court Closes Proceedings Against Anand Ranganathan In Criminal Contempt Case For Tweets Against Justice S Muralidhar". www.livelaw.in. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  19. ^ "Supreme Court to hear pleas challenging constitutional validity of Places of Worship Act on October 11". Financial Express. New Delhi. 9 September 2022. ProQuest 2711835121.
  20. ^ Madras High Court (18 May 2009). "M/S TVS Motor Company Limited vs M/S Bajaj Auto Limited on 18 May, 2009". indiankanoon.org.
  21. ^ a b Sijoria, Siddharth (28 June 2023). "J Sai Deepak is wrong: Indian democracy is not Hindu will". The Indian Express.
  22. ^ Sen, Raj Shekhar (24 July 2023). "Isolation, conservatism and buzzwords: What drives the lucrative market for right-wing influencers". newslaundry.
  23. ^ T. Mayura Priyan (2023-10-08). "Sanatana Dharma and the Dravidian Movement: A response to J. Sai Deepak — 2 – The Leaflet". theleaflet.in. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
  24. ^ Kumar, Utpal (2022-02-28). "The issue with St. Stephen's College isn't just confined to cancel culture; its very DNA is a problem". Firstpost. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
  25. ^ Shukla, Suchita (2023-09-01). "Karnataka Bar Council Ignores Demand By Lawyers' Organisation To Cancel Sai Deepak's Talk On UCC, Event Witnesses Huge Crowd". www.verdictum.in. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
  26. ^ Menon, Vandana (2023-07-20). "Can Parliament be trusted with LGBTQ rights? Star lawyers Sai Deepak, Saurabh Kirpal debate". ThePrint. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
  27. ^ Bureau, The Hindu (2023-08-06). "Debate without draft Uniform Civil Code is a non-issue, says ex-CEC S.Y. Quraishi". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-02-14. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  28. ^ Kabilan, Kannalmozhi (2021-09-11). "The reality of the nationalism debate". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
  29. ^ "Decolonising India: Is Bharat trying to reinvent itself?". India Today. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
  30. ^ "Those in power must be held accountable". Star of Mysore. 2022-12-18. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
  31. ^ Sen, Anandaroop (2023-05-04). "J Sai Deepak's India that is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, Constitution . Bloomsbury 2021". Social Dynamics. 49 (2): 376–385. doi:10.1080/02533952.2023.2236899. ISSN 0253-3952.
  32. ^ Yadav, Yogendra (2022-05-06). "India needs to challenge colonialism in its own language. But solution isn't Hindu worldview". ThePrint. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  33. ^ Kumar, Utpal (2022-09-06). "How India, a victim of conflicting colonialities, is coming out of slumber to reboot its tampered mind". Firstpost. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  34. ^ Yadav, Yogendra (2022-05-06). "India needs to challenge colonialism in its own language. But solution isn't Hindu worldview". ThePrint. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  35. ^ "Re-Discovering Bharat". Star of Mysore. 16 December 2022. ProQuest 2754825320.
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