New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has taken a major step toward protecting the rights of transgender persons by constituting an expert committee and issuing interim guidelines aimed at ensuring their inclusion, equality and dignity across various sectors.

A bench led by Justice J B Pardiwala announced the formation of a committee headed by Justice Asha Menon, former judge of the Delhi High Court. The panel will address key issues concerning equal opportunities, inclusive healthcare, and protection for gender-diverse and non-conforming individuals.

The committee will comprise noted members, including transgender activists Grace Banu and Akai Padmashali, Gaurav Mandal from the Centre for Law and Policy Research (CLPR), Bengaluru, and Dr Sanjay Sharma from the Association for Transgender Health in India.

In addition, Senior Advocate Jayna Kothari has been appointed amicus curiae to assist the Court in the matter.

In the absence of individual institutional policies, the apex court has directed that the newly framed guidelines be followed until the Union Government introduces a comprehensive national policy for the protection and inclusion of transgender persons.

“This will go a long way in protecting the rights of transgender persons. We are hopeful that the future of the third gender is secure with this judgment,” Justice Pardiwala stated while delivering the verdict.

The ruling was delivered in response to a petition filed by a transgender woman whose employment as a teacher was terminated by two private schools in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, solely on the basis of her gender identity.

The Supreme Court ruled in her favour, awarding her compensation and strongly criticising the discriminatory conduct of the institutions involved.
ANI