Call for stronger awareness on SC/ST Act
Several senior officials on Thursday emphasised the need of the hour was for greater awareness of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act-1989, citing incidents of Dalits facing untouchability, social discrimination and other problems. The statement was made at the three day training programme organised by the Dalit Bahujan Shramik Union on community vigilance monitoring for committee members. Also present were Dalit Bahujan Shramik Union’s State general secretary and advocate P. Chittibabu. speaking at the event, APEPDCL Superintending Engineer M. Lakshmana Rao said that equal respect and opportunities need to be provided to all Dalit families in accordance to the provisions of the Indian Constitution written by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Deputy Director of Social Welfare Department Annapurnamma said that the government was extending immediate support to Dalit victims and implementing welfare measures for all Scheduled Castes. Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEMPA) project director G.V.Chitti Raju, assistant director of A.P., Andhra Pradesh Government Life Insurance assistant director G. Hymavathi highlighted that women and children were also victimised due to discrimination. Mr. Chittibabu urged the government to take steps for quick filing of chargesheets in the courts so that the victims would get justice quickly under the provisions of the Act. People’s Action for Rural Awakening programme coordinator K.Ch. Bangara Raju clarified the doubts of the participants in the meeting. K Srinivasa Rao 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
Mangu Ram Mugowalia and Ad Dharm movement: A century of Dalit assertion in Punjab
The Ad Dharm Movement, led by Mangu Ram Mugowalia, marked a transformative assertion of Dalit identity and dignity in Punjab, whose legacy continues to shape ongoing struggles for social and economic equality. June 11–12, 2026, marks the centenary of the Ad Dharm Movement, one of the most significant yet underappreciated chapters in the history of anti-caste struggles in India. Formally launched on June 11–12, 1926, under the leadership of Mangu Ram Mugowalia, the movement emerged as a powerful assertion of dignity, self-respect, and independent identity among the oppressed castes of Punjab. At a time when untouchability and caste discrimination structured everyday life, Ad Dharm challenged the social order by proclaiming that Dalits were not merely victims of caste oppression but a people with their own history, culture, and spiritual traditions. While anti-caste movements led by Jyotiba Phule in Maharashtra, Periyar in Tamil Nadu, and Ayyankali in Kerala have received recognition, the contribution of Mangu Ram Mugowalia remains relatively absent from mainstream narratives of social reform. Yet his role in shaping Dalit consciousness in Punjab was no less transformative. Through the Ad Dharm Movement, he laid the foundations of a distinct political and cultural identity that continues to influence Dalit assertion in the region even today. The movement also occupies an important place in the wider history of Dalit politics in India. Emerging during the same period that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was mobilizing the Depressed Classes in India, Ad Dharm represented one of the earliest organized expressions of Dalit self-assertion in Punjab. Although they developed in different regional contexts, both Ambedkar and Mangu Ram shared a commitment to dignity, self-respect, and the rejection of caste-based oppression. From Ghadar revolutionary to a leader Born in 1886 in Hoshiarpur district, Mangu Ram’s political journey began with the Ghadar Movement, the revolutionary organization established by Indian migrants in North America to challenge British colonial rule. However, upon returning to India, he realized that political freedom alone could not guarantee social equality for the oppressed castes. The everyday reality of untouchability, exclusion, and humiliation demanded a separate struggle. This realization pushed him toward organizing Dalits and confronting caste oppression directly. The emergence of Ad Dharm must be understood within the social context of Punjab, where Dalits continued to face discrimination in social, religious, and economic spheres. Mangu Ram understood that emancipation required more than political representation; it required the creation of a collective consciousness rooted in dignity and self-respect. Religiousstudies books Long before the Ad Dharm Movement emerged, Guru Ravidas occupied a central place in the spiritual life of Punjab’s oppressed communities. His teachings of equality, human dignity, and the vision of Begampura—a society free from hierarchy, oppression, and suffering—had inspired generations of Dalits. Yet this reverence largely remained within the religious sphere. Mangu Ram recognized the immense emancipatory potential of Ravidas’s teachings. Through the Ad Dharm Movement, he transformed this spiritual legacy into a vehicle for social and political mobilization. Guru Ravidas became not merely a saint to be worshipped but a symbol of collective identity, resistance, and self-respect. The movement encouraged Dalits to take pride in their history and reject the caste labels imposed upon them by the oppressive social order. By placing Guru Ravidas at the centre of Dalit public consciousness, Mangu Ram created a cultural language through which oppressed communities could articulate dignity and equality. In this sense, he transformed an existing devotional tradition into a powerful instrument of social assertion. Ad Dharm: Transforming faith into assertion The Ad Dharm Movement sought to construct an alternative historical narrative. It argued that Dalits were the original inhabitants of the land and possessed an identity independent of the hierarchical framework of the social order. By promoting the term “Ad Dharm,” the movement challenged the legitimacy of caste classifications and asserted a distinct social existence. This was not merely a symbolic gesture. It represented a profound challenge to a social order that defined Dalits through exclusion and degradation. Ad Dharm offered dignity where caste society offered humiliation, and identity where caste hierarchy imposed stigma. The Ad Dharm Movement can be understood as Punjab’s own self-respect movement. Just as Jyotiba Phule’s Satyashodhak movement challenged Brahmanical domination in Maharashtra, Periyar’s Self-Respect Movement attacked caste hierarchy in Tamil Nadu, and Ayyankali fought for the rights of oppressed communities in Kerala, Mangu Ram developed a language of resistance suited to the social realities of Punjab. Each of these movements sought to restore dignity to those historically denied it. In Punjab, Ad Dharm became the vehicle through which Dalits asserted their humanity, cultural autonomy, and political agency. It gave Punjab’s Dalits a collective identity and a sense of pride that transcended caste-imposed inferiority. The movement demonstrated that social transformation requires more than political reform; it also requires cultural self-respect. Like the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu and the Satyashodhak Samaj in Maharashtra, Ad Dharm challenged the ideological foundations of caste and inspired oppressed communities to imagine themselves as equal citizens. The politics of recognition: The 1931 Census The movement’s impact became particularly visible during the 1931 Census, when thousands identified themselves as Ad Dharmis rather than under traditional caste labels. This was one of the earliest and most successful attempts in modern India to use the census as a tool of political assertion and collective self-definition. By refusing imposed identities and embracing Ad Dharm, Dalits challenged both colonial categories and caste hierarchies. The census thus became a site of resistance, demonstrating the transformative power of collective mobilization. The significance of the Ad Dharm Movement extends far beyond the colonial period. Its influence can be seen in the continued centrality of Guru Ravidas in Punjab’s Dalit public sphere, the emergence of Ravidasia religious institutions, and the enduring tradition of Dalit political mobilization in the state. Religiousstudies books Yet the centenary of Ad Dharm is an opportunity to reflect on the unfinished tasks of social justice. Punjab today has the highest proportion of Scheduled Castes among all Indian states, constituting nearly one-third of its population. Despite this demographic strength and
Rajgir Dalit Massacre: CPI-ML demands High Court investigation, punishment for the guilty, jobs and compensation for the victims’ families; warning of nationwide agitation
CPI-ML has attacked the government over the mob lynching of two Dalit youths in Rajgir, Nalanda district, and the police action against villagers demanding a degree college in Nagarnausa. Party leaders questioned the administration at a press conference on Wednesday after meeting with the families of the victims and affected people. The press conference was addressed by CPI-ML MP Sudama Prasad, MLA Sandeep Saurabh, former MLA Manoj Manzil, and former MLA Gopal Ravidas. They demanded an investigation into the Rajgir massacre by a sitting High Court judge, severe punishment for the culprits through a speedy trial, and compensation and government jobs for the victims’ families. Government failing to control crime MP Sudama Prasad alleged that crime is continuously increasing in Bihar and the government has completely failed to control it. He said that “encounter raj” prevails in the state, while criminals are carrying out crimes with impunity. Prasad questioned the government’s silence on the mob lynching of two Dalit youths in Rajgir. He demanded that the case be investigated under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge and that the culprits be punished with rigor by conducting a speedy trial. He also demanded compensation of ₹50 lakh each for the families of the deceased and a government job for one family member. Sudama Prasad also alleged that instead of taking action against criminals, the government is targeting the poor, laborers, Dalits, and those raising legitimate demands. Police entered homes and assaulted people in Nagarnausa Paliganj MLA Sandeep Saurabh said that while the Chief Minister constantly talks about taking strict action against criminals, incidents of murder, rape, and other crimes are continuing unabated in the state. He alleged that the administration brutally treated students and villagers protesting for a degree college in Nagarnausa. Police entered homes and beat people, breaking down the doors of approximately 300 houses, and arresting several people and sending them to jail. Saurabh claimed that even minor girls were assaulted during the operation. He demanded the immediate suspension of the local police station in-charge, action against the guilty officers, the unconditional release of the 39 arrested individuals, and the withdrawal of all cases. He said that a degree college should be established in the Nagarnausa block headquarters, as this has been a long-standing demand of local youth. The DM and SP should be held accountable. Former MLA Gopal Ravidas said that incidents of mob lynching are continuously increasing in the state, which is extremely worrying. He held the Nalanda district administration responsible for the Rajgir incident and demanded that the DM and SP be held accountable. He demanded that the district administration be held accountable for the entire matter and that an impartial investigation be conducted into the allegations against the chief priest of the Jhunukia Baba complex. A spectacle in the name of encounters Former MLA Manoj Manzil said that crime has reached its peak in the state. Incidents of atrocities against Dalits, women, and vulnerable groups are on the rise. He alleged that the police are attempting to suppress many cases instead of providing justice. Manoj Manzil said that a “spectacle in the name of encounters” is being staged, while crime and insecurity persist on the ground. CPI-ML leaders warned that if the government does not seriously consider their demands, the party will consider launching a statewide movement. Courtesy; Hindi News
Temple Entry: TN Dalit Families Enter Karur Mariamman, Sellandiamman Temples As Govt Ends Decades Of Discrimination Through Talks
After weeks of discussion, the existing temple administration was removed on June 20, and officials from HR&CE department were appointed to oversee temple affairs. Karur: Dalit residents of Punjai Kadambankurichi entered and worshipped main deities of Arulmigu Sri Mariamman and Arulmigu Sellandiamman temples after several decades of discrimination by caste-Hindus culminating with the intervention of the district administration, here on Tuesday. The issue of disallowing Dalits from worshipping at these temples came to light on May 19, while celebrating festivals. Though the upper caste families in the village which has over 1000 families honour Dalits for their role in carrying out the rituals involving burial of a sacrificed ox, the latter were not allowed to enter the temple to worship the deities. Temple Entry: TN Dalits Families Enter Karur Mariamman, Sellandiamman Temples As Govt Ends Decades Of Discrimination Through Talks A group of Dalits who were prevented from entering the temples which are believed to have been built about 150 years ago submitted their complaints to District Collector, the District Superintendent of Police district and the state government, seeking redressal to the long-standing dispute. The district administration led by Manmamangalam Tahsildar Kumaresan conducted proceedings with the members – including Murugesan and Kuppuswamy the key members – of the temple management committee and a series of peace talks involving both the communities. Temple Entry: TN Dalits Families Enter Karur Mariamman, Sellandiamman Temples As Govt Ends Decades Of Discrimination Through Talks After weeks of discussion, the existing temple administration was removed on June 20. Officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department were appointed to oversee temple affairs. On the day of the worship, more than 100 police personnel were deployed to ensure peace and security. Dalit devotees carried traditional Maavilakku (made of rice flour and jaggery) offerings into the temples and performed prayers inside the premises for the first time in generations. Local resident Pon Muthukumar who acted on behalf of the members of the Scheduled caste community said they had historically been forced to worship from outside the temple and were denied even entry during festivals. Muthukumar thanked Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for issuing directions in a separate petition filed before the Chief Minister’s Special Cell. He also credited the intervention of the district administration for ensuring that worship could take place peacefully. Temple Entry: TN Dalits Families Enter Karur Mariamman, Sellandiamman Temples As Govt Ends Decades Of Discrimination Through Talks “For generations we were denied to worship and now we express our gratitude to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,” he daid. Welcoming the development, activists working against caste discrimination said the move marked an important departure from past approaches in similar disputes. They noted that, instead of restricting access to avoid tensions, authorities facilitated temple entry while maintaining law and order. Muthu Selvan, Karur district secretary of Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front, said: “During the previous administration, in various parts of Tamil Nadu, temples were often locked and sealed – preventing worship – whenever members of the Scheduled Caste communities sought to enter and pray. Authorities frequently cited ‘law-and-order issues’ as the reason for these closures, despite existing court orders upholding the right to worship.” Speaking to ETV Bharat, Aarayi, a 90-year-old-woman, said none of her relatives from her Schedule Caste community was allowed to enter the temple during any of the festivals. “It has become a custom here. Now, it is gone,” she said. The development has been viewed as a milestone in the struggle against untouchability and casteism, with residents describing it as the restoration of a fundamental right that had been denied to their community for generations. Courtesy : ETV Bharat Note: This news is originally published on https:/etvbharat.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Former Bihar Congress chief blames his removal for party’s dismal performance in state assembly polls
The former Union minister’s remarks at an event in Delhi on Tuesday are being seen as a criticism of the party leadership at both the central and state levels. PATNA: Former Bihar Congress chief and Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh has asserted that his removal as the party’s Bihar unit president before the last Assembly election led to the Congress’ poor performance in the polls. In the 2025 Assembly election, the Congress won only six of the 61 seats it contested. The former Union minister’s remarks at an event in Delhi on Tuesday are being seen as a criticism of the party leadership at both the central and state levels. “I was removed from the post of state president before the elections, and the party had to bear the consequences,” he said, raising questions over the leadership’s decision. Singh, who is considered close to RJD chief Lalu Prasad, also took a swipe at the current AICC in-charge of Bihar, Krishna Allavaru, without naming him directly. He also openly objected to the functioning of co-in-charge Shahnawaz Alam, who was present at the event. “Such people were made in-charge who have nothing to do with politics and have no knowledge of it. When these people came to Bihar, the first thing they did was to remove me from the post of state president,” Singh said. He maintained that the Congress’ performance in the Assembly election would have been better had he remained the state president. “We had succeeded in getting four MPs elected (three Lok Sabha members and one Rajya Sabha member in 2024) when I was holding the post of state party president,” he said. He further said, “This time, 40 per cent of the elected MLAs in Bihar are from upper-caste communities, and 27 MLAs belong to the Bhumihar caste. I belong to the same caste. I had asked Rahul Gandhi what should now be done in Bihar.” Akhilesh was replaced by Rajesh Kumar, a Scheduled Caste legislator from Aurangabad district. Kumar also lost his seat in the last election. He had earlier been elected as MLA from Kutumba in Aurangabad district. Rajesh Kumar had accompanied Rahul Gandhi during his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar ahead of the Assembly polls. Ramashankar 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
After vote & seat thefts, BJP swallowing political parties, says Congress leader Meenakshi
She pointed out that the BJP government is the one which brought and strengthened the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) laws. BENGALURU: AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan, whose nomination to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh was rejected recently, came down heavily on the BJP alleging that the saffron party has graduated from “vote theft, seat theft to parties’ theft”. “It is not only vote chori and seat chori, but also moving towards party theft. A country is moving towards one party. That is why Rahul Gandhi has spoken about the fight (against BJP),” she told reporters at KPCC office in Bengaluru. She alleged that the BJP was poaching opposition MPs into the NDA fold to attain a two-third majority in the Lok Sabha to pass certain Bills like the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, to go ahead with delimitation of constituencies and increase the number of seats. “They worked to stop people from even contesting… they did that in local body elections, but now also in Rajya Sabha elections. And now, they are swallowing political parties one after another,” she said. “So, in a way, do they want to move towards a ‘One Nation, One Party’ system? Or do they want to make up the numbers-since their bill was previously rejected on the constitutional floor of the House and want to fulfil that shortfall? And that is why the conspiracy and plot they are hatching to finish off political parties one after another is right before us,” she said, adding that this was the BJP’s ‘chal, charitra aur chehra’ (conduct, character, and face). She said that the opposition parties are fully aware of the BJP’s designs and have to fight the battle in a powerful and robust manner. Meenakshi also defended that there is nothing wrong in Home Minister Priyank Kharge seeking information on the registration of RSS. She recalled that India’s first Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, had raised the same questions before the RSS. She pointed out that the BJP government is the one which brought and strengthened the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) laws. 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
Punjab CM Announces Rs 4,500 Financial Support To Dalit Women, Rs 3,000 For Other Categories
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the launch of the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, aimed at empowering women economically. Marking a historic step towards women’s economic empowerment, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the countdown for the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna has begun, with the first installment of three months’ Satkar Rashi set to be credited directly into the bank accounts of eligible women on July 1. Under the scheme, Dalit mothers and sisters will receive ₹4,500, while women from all other categories will get ₹3,000. During a Lok Milni programme after inaugurating various development works in Village Chanarthal Kalan of Fatehgarh Sahib constituency, CM Bhagwant Mann said the initiative reflects the AAP Government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, financial security, and social empowerment for women, adding that the assistance will continue uninterrupted as long as the AAP Government remains in Punjab. Addressing the Lok Milni in Fatehgarh Sahib, Mann stated, “After nine days, on July 1, women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years will receive notifications on their mobile phones informing them about the financial assistance being credited to their accounts. Women belonging to the general category will receive ₹1,000 per month while Scheduled Caste women will receive ₹1,500 per month.” “The money will be transferred directly into their bank accounts without any middlemen. Women who are already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible under the scheme. Nearly 97% women in Punjab are expected to benefit from this initiative and the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of ₹9,300 crore for it.” The Chief Minister stated, “This financial assistance may not make women rich, but it will certainly give them dignity, self-respect and confidence. Women deserve the highest respect because they are the source of life itself. The blessings of mothers and sisters help overcome every challenge in the world. Strengthening women’s financial autonomy is essential for improving household welfare, promoting gender equity and enhancing women’s participation in social and economic decision-making. When women become financially empowered, families prosper and society moves forward.” Speaking on another issue, CM Mann said, “The Punjab Government will not allow any genuine vote to be deleted during the ongoing SIR exercise by the Election Commission of India. I want to caution the people that the BJP may try to misuse the SIR process to delete valid votes, as has happened in other poll-bound states. However, we are fully vigilant and will not allow the nefarious designs of the saffron party to succeed. Every genuine voter in Punjab will be protected.” The Chief Minister said, “My predecessors never met the common people. They used to come out of their luxurious homes only after checking the temperature. On the other hand, I remain available to the people round the clock. Public service is not an occasional activity for me, it is my responsibility.” Taking a swipe at previous governments, the Chief Minister said, “These leaders built huge palaces by amassing enormous wealth through misuse of their official positions. The walls of those palatial residences were high and their gates remained closed to ordinary people. They remained inaccessible to the masses and ultimately the people showed them the door. When leaders stop listening to people, people eventually stop listening to those leaders.” “The people of Punjab have repeatedly rejected those who looted them turn by turn. These leaders fooled the people for a very long time, but Punjabis are now wise enough not to be swayed by their misleading propaganda. These arrogant politicians always took the people of Punjab for granted and ultimately paid the political price for it. Today, they are baffled because people are not responding to them. Their entire agenda revolves around the welfare of their own families rather than the welfare of the people,” said CM Mann. Continuing his attack on previous rulers, the Chief Minister said, “These leaders studied in convent schools in the hills and remained completely disconnected from ground realities. They were unaware about the money, properties and even the buses they owned. During their regimes, they exploited people by illegally seeking shares in successful ventures across the state. Such practices pushed Punjab backwards. These leaders ruined the state and their hands were drenched with the blood of Punjab’s youth.” Highlighting the progress achieved by the present government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab’s development has been put back on track. The Punjab Government is accelerating the pace of development with every passing day. We have filled a gap of nearly seventy years and are making concerted efforts to build a Rangla Punjab.” “The AAP Government is perhaps the first government in the country that is implementing the People’s Manifesto in its true spirit. Every genuine demand raised by the people is being translated into action. We do not make promises merely for elections. We fulfil them once entrusted with responsibility,” he added. Taking on the Akali Dal leadership, Mann said, “Sukhbir Singh Badal is not aware of the ground realities of Punjab because throughout his life he has lived in a secure environment surrounded by luxuries and opulence. He wants to attain political power in Punjab, but he is not even aware of the basic topography of the state.” “Leaving everything aside, the former Deputy Chief Minister cannot even differentiate between the basic crops grown in Punjab. He has very little understanding of the issues concerning ordinary people. Someone who does not understand Punjab cannot provide leadership to Punjab,” said Punjab Chief Minister. The Chief Minister further said, “The sins committed by these leaders are unpardonable. The people of Punjab can never forgive them for their long saga of misdeeds. Those memories remain fresh in the minds of the people even today.” “These are opportunist leaders who change their colours and their stance like a chameleon according to their convenience and political interests. They patronised gangsters in Punjab and infused drugs into the veins of the youth by shielding drug smugglers.
Dalit woman assaulted in Faridpur, accused of casteist remarks: Case filed against three named accused under serious sections
A case of assault, indecency, and casteist remarks against a Dalit woman has come to light in Chathiya Phase village, under the Fatehganj East police station area of Bareilly. Based on the victim’s complaint, police have registered a case against three named accused under serious sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST Act and have initiated an investigation. According to information, Pinky, wife of Sudhir Kumar, a resident of Chathiya Phase village, was having foundation work done near her house on June 22nd. It is alleged that neighbors Kallu Singh, Satyabhan Singh alias Chhote Lala, and Omveer arrived and began abusing her. When the woman protested, the accused allegedly attacked her with a sharp weapon, injuring her head. In her complaint, the victim, Pinky, alleged that the accused insulted her with casteist remarks, tore her clothes, and threatened to kill her. After the incident, the woman immediately went to the police station and filed a complaint. The police have registered a case under sections 352, 115(2), 118(1), 74, 76, and 351(3) of the IPC, as well as sections 3(1)(d), 3(1)(dh), and 3(2)(va) of the SC/ST Act. Station in-charge Rajkumar Singh stated that a case has been registered. The case will be investigated by the Circle Officer (CO), Faridpur. He assured that further legal action will be taken based on the facts revealed in the investigation. Uttam Shankhdhar | Bhagwanpur Kundan (Faridpur), Bareilly Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit youth’s hand broken in Barhalganj: Family threatened with death following complaint, accused booked under SC/ST Act
A Dalit youth was subjected to caste-related abuse, assault, and death threats in the Barhalganj police station area. Based on the victim’s complaint, police have registered a case against the accused under the SC/ST Act and other sections and have begun an investigation. In fact, Suraj Harijan, son of Murali Harijan, a resident of Bagaha village, stated in his complaint to the police that he was returning home from his farm at around 8 pm on June 21st. It is alleged that Prem Yadav, son of Rajkumar, a resident of Netwar Patti, stopped him at the village’s Distolia intersection and began abusing him. During the attack, the accused used caste-related slurs and insulted him. When he resisted the abuse, the accused attacked him with sticks and rods. He suffered serious injuries and a broken left arm. Hearing the commotion, people nearby rushed to the scene, and he was able to save his life. Suraj Harijan alleges that while leaving, the accused threatened to kill his entire family if he filed a complaint at the police station. The incident was immediately reported to the Patna outpost police. Based on the complaint, the police have registered a case against the accused under sections 117(2), 115(2), 126(2), 352, 351(3), 3(2)(va) of the IPC and sections 3(1)(d) and 3(1)(g) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Police say the matter is under investigation. Rajiv Jaiswal | Barhalganj (Gorakhpur) Courtesy: Hindi News
How Karnataka can set a model for rest of India by protecting transgender rights
Karnataka has not enacted any state-specific rules under the 2019 Act. The 2026 amendment, however, gives the DKS government the perfect opportunity to do so. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2026, notified in March, marked a significant regression from the rights framework built through the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and affirmed by the Supreme Court in NALSA v Union of India. It narrowed the definition of ‘transgender person’ to four socio-cultural groups, intersexed persons, and persons ‘compelled’ to present as transgender. It omits the right to self-perceived gender identity, and makes a medical recommendation mandatory for transgender identity cards. Finally, it inserts a new set of criminal offences based on harmful stereotypes about the transgender community by criminalising causing hurt by mutilation, emasculation, castration, amputation, or any surgical, chemical, or hormonal procedure with the intent to compel such person to ‘present a transgender identity’. Against the backdrop, what can the Karnataka state government do? The 2019 Act empowers state governments to make rules to operationalise the Act. Such rules must remain within the bounds of the parent Act. However, they do carry wide latitude to prescribe procedures, fill any silences, and protect rights on the ground. Currently, Karnataka has not enacted any state-specific rules under the 2019 Act. The 2026 amendment gives the Karnataka government the perfect opportunity to do so. First, the 2026 amendment restricts the definition of the term ‘transgender’ to four socio-cultural groups: hijras, jogta, aravanis and kinners. While jogta is a socio-cultural group in Northern Karnataka, it does not represent all transgender groups in the state. Further, these four terms do not have fixed or stable meanings. As the 2019 Act is a welfare law, it must be interpreted broadly, and, thus, it can be argued that the definition seeks to capture transgender groups by their indigenous names. Consequently, the Karnataka government can, through a government order, clarify which socio-cultural groups prevalent in the state fall within the scope of the definition. For this, it must consult diverse transgender groups. Further, it can also issue a Karnataka State Transgender Card, a la Tamil Nadu, and link all welfare benefits to it. Second, the 2026 amendment makes it mandatory for the district magistrate to account for the recommendations of a medical authority before issuing a certificate of identity to a transgender person. The Karnataka government cannot override this, but it can limit the role of the medical authority by mandating that the authority will not carry out a physical examination. Instead, self-declaration, and a Third, while the 2026 amendment omits the right to self-perceived gender identity, it is still a fundamental right. Karnataka must continue to recognise and uphold it. Fourth, unlike the 2019 Act, medical institutions where transgender persons undergo gender affirming procedures are now mandated to share such information with the district magistrate. This raises concerns about privacy, since personal data is being shared without the person’s consent. Karnataka must put in place rules for the manner in which this data will be processed, aligned with the Supreme Court’s judgment, which recognised the fundamental right to privacy. Only data which is necessary for verification of an applicant’s identity and change of gender marker must be processed, and such data must be stored in a secure manner. The data must be stored in a secure manner. The data must be shared only with authorities who play a role in issuing the identity card. Finally, the issuing authority must destroy the data once its purpose has been served. Fifth, the 2026 amendment has a chilling effect on the provision of legitimate gender affirming healthcare, as healthcare professionals fear prosecution. This, despite the refusal and discontinuation of healthcare to transgender persons, constitutes discrimination. The Karnataka government must issue a clarification that the provision of legitimate gender-affirming is not an offence and must be continued. Finally, the newly-inserted offences enable natal families to file criminal complaints against those extending support to transgender persons, claiming they are carrying out conversions. Karnataka must issue guidelines to the police to ensure that they carry out a preliminary inquiry when such a complaint is filed. If such an inquiry reveals that the individual is an adult and has voluntarily sought assistance or gender affirming care, such a statement must be recorded, no FIR must be registered, and the matter must be closed. Namrata Mukherjee Palomi Chaturvedi Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH. Namrata Mukherjee is Specialist, Governance & Rights, Vidhi, and Palomi Chaturvedi is Research Fellow, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy Courtesy : DH Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanherald.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights