SHILLONG: Upholding the Supreme Court’s verdict on transgender rights, the Meghalaya government has constituted the State Transgender Justice Board. This body is tasked with hearing cases specific to the transgender community, offering free legal assistance, and actively working towards eradicating discrimination against them.
The board, chaired by the Social Welfare Minister, Kyrmen Shylla, comprises 14 members, including the Member Secretary. Its primary mission is to address the concerns of transgender individuals, offering free legal assistance and working steadfastly to combat discrimination against this marginalised community.
The State Transgender Justice Board is set to tackle a wide range of issues, including property rights, equal employment opportunities, and fundamental rights for transgender people. By providing a platform for transgender individuals to seek recourse for discrimination and injustice, the board aims to foster a more equitable and just society.
This significant development follows a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of India in 2014, which not only granted legal recognition to transgender and gender non-conforming individuals but also affirmed their constitutional right to self-identify their gender.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court directed both Union and state governments to ensure that transgender persons have access to reservations in public education and employment, ensuring their inclusion in various spheres of society.
Currently, a dozen Indian states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, have established transgender welfare boards to address the unique needs and challenges faced by the transgender community. Kerala took the pioneering step in January 2017 by becoming the first state to establish a justice board dedicated to the third gender.
The establishment of the State Transgender Justice Board in Meghalaya is a significant stride toward upholding the principles of justice, inclusivity, and equality, as envisioned by the Indian legal system and the Supreme Court’s progressive rulings.
