Written by: Express News Service
2 min readNew DelhiFeb 6, 2011 12:16 AM IST
First published on: Feb 6, 2011 at 12:16 AM IST
Recommending effective legal intervention to end ostracism of transgendered persons,the legal fraternity on Saturday advocated granting them greater “social and political” acceptance to integrate them into mainstream society.
Speaking at the ‘National Seminar on Transgenders and the Law’,the Supreme Court’s second senior-most judge,Justice Altmas Kabir,pointed out that the Constitution provides for the fundamental right to equality,and tolerates 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,” said Justice Kabir,who is also the chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
“Create awareness on the community and the challenges they face. Only acceptance will end the social stigma,” said Justice Kabir after inaugurating the seminar,organised jointly by 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. Justice Misra,also the Patron-in-Chief of the DLSA,further highlighted the identity crises faced by transgenders and said,“There has to be togetherness. They cannot be ostracised or alienated.”
“They should be brought under one umbrella,where people from mainstream society enjoy certain rights and benefits,” he added. Emphasising on the recognition of the unique sexual identity of transgendered persons,he said they could be accorded security and further benefits through social,political and legislative intervention.
Justice Vikramajit Sen of the Delhi High Court also emphasised on the need for a law to ameliorate the condition of eunuchs,and ensure that they enjoy the rights granted to every citizen.
Justice M Y Eqbal,Chief Justice of the Madras High Court,said the community faces difficulties in getting education,voter ID cards and even medical facilities.
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