Delhi HC Directs Centre To Incorporate Third Gender In UPSC Exams

Another major achievement with reference to the the legal recognition of trangenders or the third gender, the Delhi High Court has directed the Central Government to take necessary steps to "expeditiously" make changes in the rules regarding the prestigious civil services examinations to incorporate transgender or third gender in the exam application forms.

With reference to the judgment passed by the Supreme Court on April 15, 2014 granting legal recognition to transgenders or eunuchs as third category of gender, a bench asked the Centre to take urgent steps in this regard.

Paving way to bring transgenders in national mainstream, the apex court had in April 2014 asked the government to take steps to remove problems faced by them, such as fear, shame, social pressure, depression and social stigma.

The ASG had sought clarification on the application before the apex court about the on-inclusion of the third gender as a gender option in the application form for the 2015 civil services (preliminary) examination that was pending since April 2014.

The additional solicitor general (ASG) said since the issue of lesbians, gays and bisexuals were not third gender has been clarified, appropriate steps would be taken to modify the rules in terms of the judgment.