Judges favour law for social acceptance of transgenders

New Delhi, Feb 5 (PTI) India's legal fraternity on
Saturday suggested legislative intervention to end ostracising
of transgenders in the society and accord them greater "social
and political" acceptance.
India's second senior-most judge in the Supreme Court,
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.