Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking rights to trans-genders, a Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court comprising Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi has directed Union Territory of J&K as well as Union Territory of Ladakh to submit the updated status report with regard to compliance of the various directions so that appropriate orders can be passed.
When the PIL came-up for hearing, senior counsel for the petitioners submited that various orders passed by the court relating to trans-genders have not been complied with. He referred to orders dated 05.09.2018, 28.03.2019, 19.07.2019, 27.02.2020 & 28.10.2020. Order dated 05.09.2018 relates to census required to be conducted and completed in the State of J&K (now Union Territory).
On 28.03.2019, detailed order was issued relating to educational institutions, reservation in jobs, right to vote, driving license and free medical treatment etc in terms of the directions issued by the Supreme Court in this regard. Order dated 19.07.2019 specifically relates to the directions issued for ensuring and enabling the inclusive environment to the trans-genders in J&K.
Order dated 27.02.2020 relates to various schemes and benefits in terms of the directions issued by the Supreme Court in case titled National Legal Services Authority Versus Union of India and others. Order dated 28.10.2020 relates to admission in schools and colleges.
“Several directions were issued by this court from time to time. However, as to the steps taken by the State authorities, the same has not been placed on record, though it has been submitted that various steps have been taken”, the DB said and directed Union Territory of J&K as well as Union Territory of Ladakh to submit the updated status report as regards compliance of the various directions issued by this court without fail so that appropriate orders can be passed.
DB also directed petitioners to submit the suggestions as to the steps which may be required to be taken so that same may be taken into consideration while issuing directions to the authorities concerned.
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