Take action in transgender's plea: HC to educational authorities

The High Court directed the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, Department of Pre-University Education, Directorate of Distance Education and two other educational institutions to take action in the next three months with regard to a petition filed by a transgender person.

Justice Vineeth Kothari was hearing a petition filed by a transgender who had moved the court seeking directions to the authorities concerned to issue her new educational certificates bearing her current name and gender (female).

The petitioner, who underwent a gender reassignment surgery from male to female, said the authorities concerned did not take any action to change her name and gender in her educational certificates despite giving them several representations.

Advocate Jayna Kothari, the petitioner's counsel, said the inaction on part of the respondents is a violation of the fundamental right of the petitioner with regard to her gender identity.

The counsel said if the required changes were not made, it would create obstacles to the petitioner in finding a job and lead a dignified and independent life.

The court disposed of the matter.