Kerala's First Transwoman Lawyer Writes To State Law Minister Alleging Transphobia, Discrimination Within Court

Kerala's first transwoman lawyer, Advocate Padma Lakshmi, has written to the Law Minister of the State P. Rajeev, and the Judicial Registrar of the Court alleging transphobia, mental harassment, and discrimination from senior lawyers, including two government pleaders of the Court. 

"Am I not allowed to earn a livelihood of my own, doing my job? Or am I not allowed to live as I am, a transwoman?," Advocate Lakshmi asked

Advocate Lakshmi states that she had faced discrimination right from the start of her practice, with senior lawyers accusing her of lacking 'guruthwam'. 

"Are they saying that if I start my own practice, I won't have 'guruthwam'? I'm sorry, I don't know. I started my office as a reply to the lawyer who said that sex work is the right job for transgender people," she says. 

In an interaction with LiveLaw, Advocate Lakshmi says that the root of the issues faced by the trans community is the lack of laws that come to their aid. 

"IPC does not mention 'transperson' or 'transgender' anywhere. Suppose a transperson's modesty has been outraged, how can we complaint against the same? True, there is the Transgender Protection Act, 2019, and the Advocate's Act provisions, yet the stark reality is far different," she says. 

Advocate Lakshmi further told LiveLaw's correspondent about the discrimination she faces inside and outside the courthalls. 

She added that she hopes to find a safe space at least within the courtroom where she practices. 

"I just want to live peacefully. Let me live with the case and files I have...Like other Advocates, I also entered this noble profession with fire and passion. To get an identity, to fight for the poor, and bring justice as much as I can. It is hoped that an inquiry will be conducted, and appropriate action will be taken," the letter she wrote to the Judicial Registrar and the Law Minister further reads.