Delhi High Court Directs Medical Treatment For HIV Positive Trans Woman Without Insisting On ID Proof

The Delhi High Court has directed Lok Nayak Hospital to provide medical treatment for a trans woman who tested HIV positive, without demanding from her identification documents.

Justice Sanjeev Narula issued notice on the plea moved by the trans woman claiming that she tested positive for HIV after being sexually abused by various people.

Her counsel submitted that the hospital in question suggested that the trans woman should be admitted for HIV treatment. However, due to absence of any identity documents, the required treatment was not being given to her by the hospital.

It was also submitted that various NGOs were contacted for providing shelter to her, but all of them have refused the same as she did not have any government identity card.

The Court directed the authorities to find a suitable shelter for the trans woman, taking into account her health condition as well as the weather conditions in the national capital.

“By way of this order a direction is issued to Respondent no. 4/ Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi to examine the Petitioner and in case she would need any treatment, the same be provided to her forthwith, notwithstanding the Petitioner's lack of identification documents,” the Court said.

Noting that the petitioner also sought rehabilitation, the Court directed the Central Government to state if she can be provided any skill training for her rehabilitation into the society.

The matter will now be heard on January 09.

Title: ABC v. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS

Click here to read order