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The Manipur High Court has taken cognizance of a significant legal battle concerning transgender rights and the recognition of gender identity within educational certificates. Beoncy Laishram, a transgender medical officer, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the court's intervention to compel the state education department to amend her name and gender in her educational certificates.
The genesis of the legal dispute lies in the alleged refusal of the Manipur education department to issue Laishram fresh degree and other educational certificates despite her obtaining official recognition from the Deputy Commissioner to change her name and gender identity. This refusal, according to Laishram's petition, stems from a lack of awareness and understanding of the Supreme Court's NALSA judgment and the Transgender Protection of Rights Rules, 2020.
Laishram, who transitioned from male to female and changed her name from Baboi to Beoncy, encountered a bureaucratic hurdle when she approached the Chairman of the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM) to change her name on her degree certificate. She was informed that she needed a court order for such a change, highlighting the systemic deficiencies in recognizing and accommodating transgender individuals.
In her petition, Laishram has sought the court's directive to the Manipur education department to issue revised certificates, encompassing her High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC), Higher Secondary School Leaving Certification Examination (HSSLCE), Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Medical Council Registration Certificate, and other educational certificates. This comprehensive approach aims to rectify the discrepancies in her records and ensure her academic credentials reflect her current identity.
Beyond individual redressal, Laishram's plea extends to a broader societal impact. She requests the court to direct BOSEM and the Directorate of Education to issue a circular emphasizing the rights of transgender persons to change their name and gender on educational certificates. This circular would serve as a vital tool to enhance awareness and promote inclusivity within the education system.
Furthermore, the petition urges the Registrar of Manipur University to update degree certificates to accurately reflect the name and gender changes of transgender individuals. It seeks the issuance of revised certificates based on applications, eliminating the need for transgender individuals to approach the courts for every instance of name and gender change.
The Manipur High Court, recognizing the gravity of the issue, has issued a notice to the relevant educational departments, requiring them to respond within three weeks. The court's action underscores the importance of addressing the systemic obstacles faced by transgender individuals in securing their legal and social recognition.
Laishram, in her conversation with Hindustan Times, highlighted the challenges she encounters in her career due to the lack of awareness regarding the NALSA judgment and Transgender Protection of Rights Rules, 2020, within government institutions of Manipur. She expressed concern over the lack of awareness and sensitivity displayed by the state education department officials on such a critical issue.
Laishram's case sheds light on the broader challenges faced by transgender individuals in Manipur and beyond. It emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to promote understanding and respect for transgender rights. The lack of awareness and sensitization can lead to discrimination and exclusion, hindering transgender individuals' career advancement and overall well-being.
The case serves as a potent reminder of the importance of legal and social reforms to ensure the inclusion and equal rights of transgender individuals. The NALSA judgment, recognizing transgender people as the 'third gender', stands as a landmark decision, but its implementation and enforcement remain crucial. The Manipur High Court's involvement in this case signifies the judiciary's commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of transgender individuals and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
Source: Manipur HC issues notice to state edu dept on PIL by transgender medical officer