Guwahati, 19th February: In a significant step toward the inclusion of transgender individuals in Assam’s law enforcement, the Gauhati High Court has issued a notice to the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Assam, in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Assam Transgender Association.
The PIL, presented before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam, highlights the absence of specific criteria tailored to the needs of transgender candidates in the recruitment procedures of the Assam Police. Recognizing the gravity of the issues raised, the court deemed it necessary to solicit the response of the State Government through its relevant department.
The petition seeks the revision of recruitment advertisements by the Assam Police to ensure inclusivity and fairness towards transgender individuals. It also calls for the formulation of suitable criteria in physical and medical tests to provide a level playing field for transgender applicants.
Acknowledging the broader aspiration of the Assam Transgender Association for comprehensive policies empowering transgender individuals, the court expanded the purview of the case by impleading the Social Justice and Empowerment Department as a respondent.
The Gauhati High Court has directed the Social Justice and Empowerment Department to provide their response within six weeks, marking a significant step toward addressing the concerns raised by the transgender community regarding police recruitment processes.
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