Indian Supreme Court has recognized transgenders as the third gender and asked government to provide equal rights to education and employment to them.

New Delhi, April 15/Nationalturk : In a significant and landmark judgment, Indian Supreme Court has recognized transgenders as the third gender.

Supreme Court bench comprising Justice K S Radhakrishnan and Justice AK Sikri while recognizing transgenders as third gender, said “recognition of transgenders as a third gender is not a social or medical issue but a human rights issue.”

It said transgenders are also citizens of country. “They have equal rights to education, employment and social acceptability. It is the right of every human being to choose their gender. The spirit of the Constitution is to provide equal opportunity to every citizens to grow and attain their potential, irrespective of caste, religion or gender”.

“The status of the transgenders has degenerated and time had come for their status to be brought at par with the status of the male and the female,” it said.

Apex Court concerned over discrimination with transgenders

The apex court expressed concern over discrimination and harassment meted to transgenders in Indian and directed the governments to take remedial measures.

It asked governments to provide reservation in jobs and education and provide medical facilities to transgenders.

The apex court also asked governments to introduce welfare schemes for the transgenders.

Supreme Court’s judgement came in response to a petition, which sought  granting of equal rights and protection to transgenders; inclusion of a third category in recording one’s sex/gender in identity documents like the election card, passport, driving license and ration card; and for admission in educational institutions, hospitals, access to toilets, amongst others.

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