How Much Time Is Required For Constituting Transgender Welfare Board? Punjab & Haryana HC Seeks Response Of Punjab Govt

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has sought response from the Punjab Government on how much time is required for constituting the Transgender Welfare Board in the State.

Justice Kuldeep Tiwari while listing the matter for April 03 said that, "It is made clear that, on the subsequent date of hearing, no request for adjournment would be entertained on behalf of either side."

The plea was filed by Mamta Baba who identifies herself as a Transgender Person, highlighting that The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 to ensure, protect and promote the welfare and rights of Transgender Persons and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 came in force.

Rule 10 (1) therein provided for constitution of the welfare board for the transgender persons by the appropriate government for the purpose of protecting their rights and interests of, and facilitating access to schemes and welfare measures framed by the Government, it added.

It was further stated that the Department of Social Justice and Empowment, Government of India on 10 November 2023 issued Office Letter to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to formulate Transgender Welfare Board in their states in view of Rule 10(1) of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.

Baba pointed out that she had sent a representation for constituting the Transgender Welfare Board in Punjab, in view of Rule 10(1) of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020. In response, it was informed that the matter for establishing the Transgender Welfare Board in Punjab is under consideration.

Pertinent to note that, the High Court has recently asked the Punjab Government to apprise it on setting up of Transgender Protection Cells under the charge of District Magistrate in each District and at State level.

Mr. Maninderjit Singh, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Pardeep Bajaj, D.A.G., Punjab.

Ms. Neha Dalal, Advocate for Mr. Dheeraj Jain, Sr. Panel Counsel, for the respondent No.4- U.O.I.

Title: MAMTA BABA V/S STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS

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