6-Week Deadline For States on Transgender Welfare Boards
The Supreme Court has directed non-compliant states to file responses regarding the establishment of Transgender Welfare Boards, a 6-week deadline or face a penalty of ₹20,000. A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti issued the warning, noting repeated delays in the case.
Court Order Details
The bench stated, “If the response is not filed within six weeks, the concerned states will have to deposit ₹20,000 with the Legal Services Authority.” The petitioner, Kinner Maa Eksamajik Sanstha Trust, informed the court that states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Rajasthan have already established Welfare Boards, but others have yet to comply.
Background of the PIL
The PIL highlights the discrimination and stigma faced by transgender individuals in areas such as housing, health, education, and employment. It claims that despite the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, issues like social exclusion and lack of resources remain unresolved.
The plea also points out contradictions in the Trans Act, such as requiring surgery proof for gender identification, which violates the Supreme Court’s NALSA judgment. The petitioner argues for the formation of Welfare Boards to address these issues and proposes a Standing Committee to investigate abuse cases against trans persons.
