New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: Transgenders should be treated as a third category and as a socially and economically backward class entitled to job reservation, the Supreme Court said yesterday. Activists termed the verdict “revolutionary” but said social acceptance will take longer because of the stigma associated with them.
Recognising transgenders as a third gender, the apex court bench of Justice K S Radhakrishnan and Justice A K Sikri directed the central and state governments to include them for reservation in jobs and education. The court also said both the union and state governments would frame welfare schemes for them.
Transgenders were elated at the judgment. “The judgment is good in terms of recognising us as the third gender, but the discrimination will continue (in society),” Shaila Jaan, a transgender, said.
“Things will only change if the mentality of people towards us changes. So social awareness and change in the education system, along with acceptance will definitely bring change,” she added.
Chandni, a transgender, asked how will people treat them. “Will they ridicule me or will they make an effort to know and be friends with me?”
The verdict “is important on a global level and India is one of the few countries to give this landmark judgement”, gay rights activist Leslie Steven said.
In Kerala, human right activists termed the court verdict as “historic and revolutionary”.
Two years ago, the Election Commission allowed enrollment of transgenders under the “Others” category in electoral rolls. Since then, 28,314 transgenders have been registered across India with the poll panel.
IANS
