Judges favour law for social acceptance of transgenders

The Supreme Court's second senior-most judge, Justice Altmas Kabir, stressed upon the need for proper integration of eunuchs in the society pointing out that the Constitution provides for Fundamental Right to equality, brooking no discrimination on the grounds of sex, caste, creed or religion.

"The Constitution also guarantees political rights and other benefits to every citizen but the third community (transgenders) continues to be ostracised by the society," said
Justice Kabir, who is also the Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

"Create awareness about the community and the challenges they face. Only acceptance will end the social stigma they face," said Justice Kabir, inaugurating a national seminar here on "Transgender and The law", organised jointly by the NALSA and the Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

Delhi High Court Chief Justice Dipak Misra pointed out that eunuchs enjoyed greater recognition and social integration in ancient Indian society.

Misra, who is also the Patron-in-Chief of Delhi Legal Service Authority (DLSA), also highlighted the identity crises faced by transgenders and said, "There has to be togetherness. They cannot be ostracised and they cannot be treated as alien.

"They should be brought under one umbrella where the mainstream people enjoy their rights and benefits," said Chief Justice Misra.

Emphasising on recognition of their unique sexual identity, he said protection, security and other benefits for them would be possible through social, political and legislative intervention.

Justice Vikramajit Sen of Delhi High Court also emphasised on the need for a law to ameliorate the conditions of the eunuchs and ensure that they enjoy the rights granted to every citizen.

Justice M Y Eqbal, Chief Justice of Madras High Court, said the community as a whole faces difficulties in getting education, voter ID cards and even medical facilities.

"And this forces them to even resort to begging for their livelihood," he said.