The PIL, filed in 2021, requested the court to instruct both the central and state governments to set up these boards to address the various social and welfare issues faced by the transgender community.
NEW DELHI: The state governments of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Rajasthan have established Transgender Welfare Boards. This action follows a directive from the Supreme Court of India, announced on January 21, 2025. The court was informed of the progress during a hearing related to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Kinner Maa Eksamajik Sanstha Trust.
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During the hearing, a bench consisting of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti was informed that some states, including the Union of India, had yet to file their responses, despite multiple adjournments.
The court emphasized the importance of these responses and gave a clear direction to the states. “The court noted that these responses had not been filed despite several adjournments being granted in the matter.”
Furthermore, the court set a deadline for the states to submit their replies within six weeks. If the states fail to comply, they will be required to pay a cost of Rs 40,000 to their respective legal aid cells.
BACKGROUND:
The PIL, filed in 2021, requested the court to instruct both the central and state governments to set up these boards to address the various social and welfare issues faced by the transgender community. The petition pointed out the significant challenges that transgender individuals face, such as discrimination, unemployment, homelessness, and lack of access to education and healthcare.
The Supreme Court had issued a notice in November of the previous year to the governments of different states, asking them to respond to the PIL regarding the formation of these welfare boards.
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In addition to this, the next hearing of the case has been scheduled for six weeks from now. The court’s decision and the establishment of the welfare boards are seen as a crucial step toward improving the living conditions of transgender persons in India.
The advocates representing the Kinner Maa Eksamajik Sanstha Trust, Narender Kumar Verma and Jaya Sukin, have been instrumental in bringing the matter before the court.
Case Title: KINNER MAA EKSAMAJIK SANSTHA TRUST v. UNION OF AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 319/2021
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