SC forms panel to ensure equal rights, opportunities for transgender persons

New Delhi, Oct 17: In a landmark verdict affirming the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming persons, the Supreme Court on Friday constituted a dedicated committee to frame and monitor measures ensuring equal opportunities in employment, inclusive medical care, and protection from discrimination, reports Bar & Bench.

The Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan said the ruling “hopes to secure the future of the third gender.”

The committee, headed by retired Delhi High Court judge Justice Asha Menon, will include transgender activists Grace Banu and Akai Padmashali, Gaurav Mandal of CLPR Bengaluru, and Dr Sanjay Sharma, with Senior Advocate Jayna Kothari appointed as amicus curiae. The Court also awarded compensation to a transwoman whose appointment as a teacher was terminated by two private schools in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat due to her gender identity. It directed institutions without existing policies to follow the Court’s guidelines until the Centre notifies a comprehensive policy.