Transgender persons can’t avail assisted reproductive technology benefit under existing laws, Centre tells Kerala HC
Kochi: A transgender person cannot avail the benefit of ART (assisted reproductive technology) under the existing ART Act and Rules in India, and the exclusion of transgender persons was made after detailed discussions and deliberations in parliamentary committees, the Union govt has submitted to the Kerala high court. The Act limits ART services to a specific category of people, namely, commissioning couples and single women, in the best interest of the child. Single men and transgender persons are not eligible to avail ART treatment, an affidavit filed by ministry of health and family welfare under secretary Vahboi Singsit, further stated. The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by a trans man who was female by birth and is currently undergoing sex reassignment treatment. The petitioner, a resident of Attingal in Thiruvananthapuram, sought permission to cryo-preserve his gametes so that he could use them for reproduction at a later stage. He had earlier approached a private fertility centre for gamete cryo-preservation, but the request was denied since the ART Act and Rules limit the benefits to commissioning couples and single women, prompting him to approach HC. Opposing his plea, the central govt submitted that whether transgender persons should be allowed to avail ART services is a matter of policy, and that experts must determine the impact of such a decision, particularly from the perspective of the welfare of children born through ART. The govt also pointed out that adoption regulations restrict unmarried and queer couples from adopting children, and that these issues have significant social consequences, especially concerning the health and welfare of future generations. Therefore, such questions fall within the policy domain, where the scope of judicial review is limited, the affidavit stated. Meanwhile, the bench of Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen adjourned the petition to Dec 1 for the petitioner to file reply affidavit. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Not the one to blackmail Congress’: DK Shivakumar slams leadership change speculation in Karnataka
BENGALURU: Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar has dimissed speculation that he was preparing to step down as the state Congress president, stressing that he remains a “disciplined soldier” of the party. His remarks came amid renewed chatter about a possible reshuffle in the Siddaramaiah cabinet following the chief minister’s meeting with Rahul Gandhi a day earlier, according to news agency PTI. Shivakumar said that any decision on cabinet changes is entirely up to Siddaramaiah and will be made only after consulting the party’s central leadership. He added that his visit to Delhi was mainly to invite Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to the foundation stone ceremony for 100 new Congress office buildings in Karnataka. “There is a foundation-laying ceremony and several other events. Who will handle all of that? I have to do it. Why would I say I will resign (as state Congress president)? That situation hasn’t arisen yet,” he told reporters, rejecting the speculation circulating in political circles. Reaffirming his commitment to the party, he said, “I am dedicated to serving the party as a disciplined soldier, doing whatever tasks are assigned to me.” He also criticised the media for fuelling rumours, saying, “I am not the one to blackmail the Congress. I have built this party and worked tirelessly day and night for it. I will continue to do so in the future. Our party will return to power (in Karnataka) in 2028.” In addition to the office inauguration plans, Shivakumar is set to release his book Gandhi-Bharat, which revisits the historic Belagavi Congress session led by Mahatma Gandhi and the party’s centenary commemoration. Meanwhile, home minister G Parameshwara said the party was considering only a cabinet reshuffle and ruled out any change in leadership. Siddaramaiah, speaking in Delhi, maintained that there had been no discussion on a reshuffle and said his talks with national leaders were focused on the Bihar election results. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Akhilesh Yadav should first lead UP… Imran Masood’s big statement: Rahul Gandhi is no match
Imran Masood on Akhilesh Yadav: Following the Bihar election results, tensions have escalated among opposition parties. Congress MP Imran Masood has made a significant statement on Akhilesh Yadav. Saharanpur: Congress MP Imran Masood from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has issued a statement on Akhilesh Yadav’s leadership of the All India Alliance. In fact, following the Bihar Assembly election results, the ongoing tension within the Grand Alliance has now come to the fore. While several constituent parties of the Grand Alliance are reviewing and questioning the leadership after the crushing defeat, Congress MP Imran Masood has also openly expressed his views on this issue. Speaking to the media in Saharanpur on Monday, he made a significant statement regarding Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav and the alliance leadership. He suggested Akhilesh Yadav lead UP for the 2027 Assembly elections. What did Imran Masood say? Congress MP from Saharanpur, Imran Masood, said that after the Bihar elections, some Samajwadi Party leaders are arguing that Akhilesh Yadav should lead the India Alliance. Responding to this, Imran Masood said that Akhilesh Yadav should first lead Uttar Pradesh. The 2027 elections are coming, so focus on that first. Congress MP Imran Masood also said that no one can match Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. He said that Rahul Gandhi is incomparable, and cannot be compared to anyone. Will Congress split? Following the Bihar results, there have been reports of review and dissatisfaction within the India Alliance. Several parties have raised demands for a review. Responding to this question, Imran Masood said, “I am not the one to make this decision. I am a soldier of the Congress. The decision is for the party to make. My opinion does not matter.” He made it clear that whatever decision the party makes is final, and all leaders must abide by it. Leadership Differences in the Grand Alliance Following the Grand Alliance’s crushing defeat in Bihar, differences over leadership and strategy appear to be growing within the opposition camp. Leaders from different parties are issuing differing statements about the alliance’s direction and future. Imran Masood’s statement indicates that the party is now preparing to respond directly to those questioning the Congress leadership. Curated by: Rahul Parashar About the Author Rahul Parashar is a senior journalist at Navbharat Times Online. He has 20 years of experience in politics, current affairs, development, bureaucracy, education, health, and ground reporting. Early in his career, he covered administration and civic issues. He also learned the ropes of political journalism in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Courtesy: Hindi News
MP News: Dalit Father-Son Chased, Thrashed At Hospital Over Petty Dispute In Sehore
The confrontation began late at night when one of the accused suddenly appeared in front of his car. After narrowly passing by, accused allegedly slapped him, and soon his associates arrived and began abusing him. Pravesh avoided escalation and went home, but the matter did not end there. Later, Deepak and his friends attacked Pravesh and his father, Hari Singh, in the Bhopal Naka area. Sehore (Madhya Pradesh): A Dalit youth and his father were brutally assaulted at the Sehore District Hospital, in the presence of police personnel. The video of the assault is going viral on social media in which a few miscreants can be seen thrashing a youth and his father. The duo went to the hospital for the treatment after being assaulted by the same group. The accused followed them to the district hospital and attacked them again. According to the victim, identified as Pravesh Parihar, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar Ganj, the confrontation began late at night when one of the accused, Deepak Parmar suddenly appeared in front of his car. Parihar quietly moved from the side. This made Deepak furious. He allegedly slapped him, and soon his associates arrived and began abusing him. Pravesh avoided escalation and went home, but the matter did not end there. Later, Deepak and his friends attacked Pravesh and his father, Hari Singh, in the Bhopal Naka area. When the injured duo reached the District Hospital in Sehore for treatment, Deepak Parmar, Bhanu Rathore and Naveen Rathore reportedly followed them into the hospital. They caught Pravesh and his father and attacked them. The Kotwali police have registered a case under the SC/ST Atrocity Act and other sections. CSP Abhinandana Sharma confirmed that an FIR has been filed, and that the teams have been deployed to trace the absconding accused. Syed Faizan Ali Courtesy : TFPJ Note: This news is originally published on https:/thefreepressjournal.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samithi opposes Bhagavad Gita seminar at Kuvempu University
The group objected to the vice chancellor chairing the event, calling it ‘an insult to Kuvempu’s universal humanist values.’ SHIVAMOGGA: The Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samithi (KDSS) has warned that it will launch a Tamate Chalavali (protest drum movement) if Kuvempu University goes ahead with a seminar titled “Bhagavad Gita and Crime Control” on Tuesday. The programme is being organised at the university’s Basava Mantapa in collaboration with Swarna Rashmi Trust, the Bhagavad Gita Abhiyana District Committee and Kuvempu University. In a statement, state convenor M Gurumurthy said the seminar promotes a right-wing ideological agenda and is against the ideals of national poet Kuvempu and the spirit of the Constitution drafted by Dr B R Ambedkar. He said the Bhagavad Gita has historically been used to justify the Chaturvarna system and the caste hierarchy, and described the event as an attempt to celebrate oppression. Gurumurthy alleged that right-wing groups are using such programmes to push a single ideological framework across universities and to influence students. KDSS questioned why Kuvempu University chose to organise the seminar when no other university in the state has done so. The group also objected to the vice chancellor chairing the event, calling it “an insult to Kuvempu’s universal humanist values.” The committee further claimed that the invited speakers are associated with organisations that oppose the views of Gandhi, Basavanna and Ambedkar. The late release of the invitation, just two days ahead of the event, has also raised concerns, it said. KDSS has urged the university to cancel the seminar immediately. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
CM Revanth has deep regard for artistes and Dalits: SC Welfare Minister
The Minister said the Chief Minister has consistently stood by Dalits, recalling the historic decision on SC categorisation and the recognition extended to artistes Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s personal presence at poet Andesri’s funeral reflected the government’s deep respect for artistes and Dalits, stated Minister for SC, ST and Disabled Welfare Adluri Lakshman Kumar at a preparatory meeting for the condolence programme of Andesri, author of the Telangana State Anthem. “No Chief Minister in the past has accorded such honour to poets and artistes,” he said, adding that the meeting would be organised with dignity befitting the State and in a manner that embodies the spirit of Telangana. The Minister said the Chief Minister has consistently stood by Dalits, recalling the historic decision on SC categorisation and the recognition extended to artistes. He met poets, artistes, Dalit organisations, people’s associations and employees’ unions to plan the programme. Mr. Lakshman Kumar said Andesri’s literary contributions captured the spirit, pride and cultural essence of Telangana, and would continue to guide future generations. The condolence programme will revolve around three themes — Dalit unity, Telangana spirit and honouring artists. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Stricter measures demanded against untouchability, caste discrimination
The Shoshan Mukti Manch today staged a massive protest outside the premises of Deputy Commissioner’s office against atrocities on the Dalit community, especially rising cases of rapes and murders. The manch demanded that the state government should opt stricter measures to stop untouchability, caste-based discrimination and oppression of Dalits as well as crime against them. Through the Deputy Commissioner, the manch submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding an end to social evils, while highlighting the issues and demands of the Dalit community. During the protest, Jagat Ram, state co-convener of the manch, alleged that the state was witnessing a significant rise in incidents of untouchability, caste-based discrimination, assaults on Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, rapes and murders over the past few months. He said in Rohru, a 12-year-old Dalit boy identified as Sikander, was subjected to such an extreme harassment that he was compelled to die by suicide. Also, in one of the schools in Rohru, a Dalit student was stripped naked by a teacher, and beaten and tortured with a stinging nettle. Similarly, in Kullu district’s Sainj Valley, a woman was brutally gang-raped and murdered, he said. During the Kullu Dussehra festival, a government officer was assaulted and humiliated, an incident that brought shame to the entire state, he said. “Cases of physical violence and rape of women by politically influential individuals and their families are on the rise. In Hamirpur, an attempt was made to rape a woman. She was attacked violently, leading to her death in the hospital,” he said. Jagat Ram further stated that the policies of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation adopted by the state government were rapidly affecting both the nation and the state. “These policies are resulting in attacks on the rights of the common people and withdrawal of their essential facilities, creating widespread public anger. To divert attention from real issues and retain power, the ruling side is inciting divisions among people on the basis of caste and religion,” he claimed. Article_Author Tribune News Service Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transpersons in state fear exclusion from voters’ list
Chennai: Disowned by their family members, most transpersons are at risk of getting disenfrachised in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters list. According to the most recent voters list, there were 9,120 transgender voters in the state. “Transgenders got voting rights only in 2004 and many got their voter ID cards only after that. Hence, they won’t figure in 2002 and 2005 rolls. Moreover, most of the transpersons were disowned by their family and won’t have the details of voter ID cards of either of their parents. Without these details, our SIR forms will be rejected and we will be disenfrachised,” Priya Babu, a member of the Tamil Nadu Transgenders Welfare Board, told TOI. Priya Babu said they have planned to meet the chief electoral officer of Tamil Nadu, Archana Patnaik, to seek an exemption for transgender voters from SIR and to allow them to vote with their existing voter ID cards. “I voted in 2024 Lok Sabha election but with SIR I will lose my vote,” Priya Babu said. Aruna, founder and director of the South Indian Transgenders Federation, said most transpersons have moved out of their native places and therefore do not possess their own records or those of their family members. “Family members of one of my friends Dhanam had obtained a death certificate for her and amassed her properties. Under such circumstances, how will she have any document,” Aruna asked. “I have planned to file a writ petition against the ECI for SIR at the Madras HC. I will fight to ensure that none of the transpersons loses their voting right,” Aruna said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgender aspirant seeks BJP ticket for Nagpur civic body elections from Prabhag 23-D
Nagpur: With the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections nearing, political activity in Prabhag 23 has intensified after a transgender person, Rani Dhawle, expressed her desire to contest from seat D on a BJP ticket. Dhawle, who claimed to be leader of the transgender community in Nagpur city, said she has been a BJP worker for nearly 15-17 years. The seat matrix for Prabhag 23 has undergone a major reshuffle — A is reserved for SC, B for ST (woman), C for woman, and D is the only general seat. Earlier, in the 2017 polls, 23-C was a general category seat, from where BJP’s Narendra Borkar was elected. Following the reservation changes, senior BJP leader and three-time corporator Borkar has now shifted to the general seat D and plans to contest from the same prabhag. Borkar remains a strong organisational face for the party. The segment also has a history of multi-party representation, with NCP’s lone corporator Duneshwar Pethe previously elected from 23-D. Amid this churn, Rani Dhawle has decided to formally apply for the ticket. Speaking to TOI, Dhawle said she aspired to become Nagpur’s first transgender corporator and ensure rightful representation for the Kinnar Samaj. “Like in case of men and women, Kinnar Samaj too should also get justice,” she said, adding that her candidature was not just a personal ambition but a step toward securing dignity and space for the transgender community in mainstream politics. Dhawle said she has been consistently active in party work and hoped BJP would recognise her contribution. She gave example of Madhu Kinnar, India’s first transgender mayor from Raigadh Municipal Corporation in Chhattisgarh, as her inspiration. “Other states have shown the way. Nagpur should not remain behind. We should also get an opportunity to become Nagar Sevak,” said the 28-year-old Hiwri Nagar resident, who is a matriculate. With BJP yet to begin formal candidate interviews for the civic polls, which are likely to be held in early January, Dhawle’s entry has added a new social dimension to the contest in Prabhag 23-D. She plans to submit her form to BJP city president Dayashankar Tiwari on Monday. The final decision now rests with the party’s internal selection process. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
BJP MP alleges forced conversion racket targeting transgender community
Amravati (Maharashtra), (PTI) BJP Rajya Sabha member Anil Bonde has alleged that a racket is operating in Maharashtra’s Amravati and Yavatmal districts to forcibly convert transgender individuals to Islam. Bonde told reporters here on Saturday that some transgender persons from Amravati approached him with a complaint of forced religious conversion, which has created an atmosphere of fear among the community. Some of the affected individuals reconverted to Hinduism through a ritual at the Kumbh Mela (held earlier this year at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh), he said. Bonde said he will inform Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about the issue and demanded immediate police action into the matter. PTI COR CLS GK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https:/theprint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights