The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the plea of a transgender individual whose teaching services were terminated by two private schools in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh upon the revelation of her sexual orientation. The bench, comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and justices J B Pardiwla and Manoj Misra, issued notices to the Centre, as well as the governments of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, in response to the transgender woman’s plea.

Expressing concern over the termination of her services, the court also sought responses from the head of the school in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and the chairperson of another private school in Khiri, Uttar Pradesh. The petitioner alleges that her services were abruptly terminated in both states after her gender identity became known, leaving her unable to pursue legal remedies in two different high courts.

The transgender person’s counsel highlighted that she was initially given a letter of appointment in a school in Uttar Pradesh and taught for six days before being removed. Similarly, in the Gujarat school, she received an appointment letter but was subsequently denied the opportunity to join once her sexual identity was disclosed.

The plea seeks the enforcement of the petitioner’s fundamental rights, raising the crucial issue of discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The Supreme Court, acknowledging the gravity of the matter, has scheduled the hearing for four weeks from now. This case underscores the need for legal protection against discrimination and injustice faced by transgender individuals, especially in educational institutions, and emphasizes the significance of upholding fundamental rights for all citizens, irrespective of their gender identity.

Source: PTI

Also read: Transgender teachers to be employed at government schools in Karnataka