Dalits, minorities targeted for deletions: VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan on SIR
Addressing reporters at the party’s headquarters, he claimed that several constituencies with significant Dalit and minority populations are witnessing “unnatural” levels of voter-list deletions. CHENNAI: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan on Tuesday alleged large-scale irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to immediately intervene to ensure free and fair elections in Tamil Nadu. Addressing reporters at the party’s headquarters in Chennai, he claimed that several constituencies with significant Dalit and minority populations are witnessing “unnatural” levels of voter-list deletions. He said the pattern appears “targeted and deliberate” and warned that such actions could “distort the democratic rights” of marginalised communities. Thirumavalavan alleged that political forces “aligned with the BJP” are attempting to influence the revision process by filing mass objections and facilitating relocation of voters from other states into select constituencies. “These are coordinated attempts to alter voter demographics ahead of the 2026 polls,” he said. The VCK leader also criticised the ECI for what he described as “a lack of adequate monitoring” at the field level. He urged the ECI to deploy special observers, verify deletion requests and publish constituency-wise data on additions and removals to maintain transparency. Stating that TN had always maintained a “high standard of electoral integrity”, he said any deviation would undermine public confidence. He further announced that VCK would submit a detailed memorandum to the chief electoral officer highlighting specific irregularities. Calling for united action, Thirumavalavan appealed to all INDIA bloc parties to remain vigilant and protect the voting rights of all citizens. He further announced a protest against the ongoing SIR, calling to stop the exercise immediately on November 24 in Chennai. 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
A ruling to restore trans rights
With the Jane Kaushik verdict, the Supreme Court pushes substantive equality and signals hope amid systemic discrimination The judgement of the Supreme Court in Jane Kaushik v Union of India, delivered on October 17, 2025, by a bench consisting of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, is not only the vindication of a transgender woman’s fight against discrimination, but also a much-needed boost to the LGBTQI movement in the country. It appeared that the ruling in Supriyo v Union of India, which rejected marriage equality, dealt a severe blow to the movement towards LGBTQI equality through legal process. However, the decision in Jane Kaushik has reopened a path to justice. The logic and reasoning of the judgement, the important mandatory directions issued to the Union and state governments, as well as the continuing commitment to improving transgender lives, as seen in the constitution of a committee to take forward the constitutional vision of transgender rights, mark Jane Kaushik as a significant intervention by the top court. The petitioner, Jane Kaushik, is a transgender woman who suffered an all-too-common experience of discrimination against the community. Jane’s application for employment as a school teacher was rejected on the grounds of her being transgender. There being no functional mechanism to deal with grievances about discrimination of this nature, she had no choice but to approach the Supreme Court for redress. The Court found that there was discrimination perpetrated by the school in which Jane sought employment, as the institution did not employ her solely because she is transgender. For this act, the Court ordered the school to compensate Jane Kaushik with Rs 50,000. The apex court went beyond the individual petitioner and identified structural reasons for the discrimination suffered by Jane in the inactions of the government of Uttar Pradesh and the Union government, for which they were both ordered to compensate Jane with Rs 50,000 each. A key reason why transgender persons continue to experience discrimination in society lies in the grossly apathetic attitude of both the Union and state governments, which have reduced the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 to a dead letter. The Court characterised this State inaction as neither ‘inadvertent or accidental’, but ‘intentional’ and stemming from ‘deep-rooted societal stigma’ which results in a ‘lack of bureaucratic will to effectuate the provisions of the 2019 Act and the 2020 Rules’. It is to be noted that the Act itself comes with flaws. For the Court, ‘the marginalisation of transgender persons is often perpetuated not only by overt acts of discrimination, but also through the silence and gaps in the statute, i.e., the 2019 Act.’ Jane Kaushik suffered discrimination during her application for employment because the state government has not bothered to implement even the flawed Act. This double failure is a form of ‘omissive discrimination’ which is violative of the constitutional guarantee of the equal protection of laws to transgender persons. The Supreme Court has refused to be silent in the face of this discrimination. It has taken constitutional action to both recognise and remedy gaps in the law so as to realise substantive equality, by crafting a series of innovative reliefs. Towards equal opportunity The Court has passed certain mandatory directions to both the Union and the state government to ensure that the Act translates into real protection of the community. Among the important interventions is the direction to state governments to ensure that every establishment (government or private) appoints a complaints officer to deal with grievances raised by transgender persons regarding violations of the Act. The Court, however, recognises that ‘directions’ alone may have a limited impact and has constituted a committee consisting of transgender rights advocates, academics, lawyers, and government officials. The committee has been tasked with the mandate of preparing a comprehensive report that includes the formulation of a ‘viable and comprehensive equal opportunity policy for the transgender community in the arenas of education and employment’. Among the members of the Committee from Karnataka are transgender rights activist Akkai Padmashali, senior advocate Jayna Kothari, and Nithya Rajshekhar from the Centre for Law and Policy Research. The committee must now initiate extensive engagement with the trans community and ensure that the concerns of every section of the community are represented in the committee’s deliberations. It is also up to the LGBTQI rights activists to engage intensively with the committee and ensure that it comes up with recommendations that can help transform the landscape for transgender rights in India. This is an opportunity that must not be missed. Arvind Narrain (The writer is a Bengaluru- based lawyer) Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH. 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
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
Simone Biles feud returns as MyKayla Skinner pushes IOC for transgender ban while Donald Trump joins the global discussion
MyKayla Skinner, the Olympic silver medal gymnast, is asking the International Olympic Committee to move forward with a full ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports. She reacted after reports said the IOC was getting close to blocking male-born athletes from taking part in the women’s category at future Olympic Games. These reports came out earlier this week and quickly sparked debate. MyKayla Skinner shared her views in an op-ed she wrote for Fox News on Monday. She said she wants to protect young girls who train and dream about competing one day. Her comments came soon after an IOC spokesperson said on Tuesday that the “working group is continuing its discussions” and that more information will be given later. Right now, no final decision has been made by the IOC. MyKayla Skinner says IOC must act now as Donald Trump and US stars enter the debate MyKayla Skinner won her silver medal in the vault at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. In her piece, she said she feels a strong responsibility to speak because many female athletes feel scared to say anything. She wrote, “I want to be a voice for elite female athletes. I want to speak up for their futures.” She added that the early signs from the IOC gave her “hope” that things might finally change. — foxnews (@foxnews) MyKayla Skinner also asked the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee to make sure every rule protects women’s sports. She wrote, “When men compete in women’s categories, it is unfair and unsafe.” She ended her message with a strong line: “Athletes get hurt every day, but we should not accept insanity.” Donald Trump has also supported a transgender ban for the Olympic Games. He shared his views in late 2024, giving hope to groups that want the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics to avoid gender-rule disputes. MyKayla Skinner is now an ambassador for XX-XY Athletics, a group pushing to block transgender women from entering women’s competitions. But MyKayla Skinner has also faced backlash before. During the Paris 2024 Olympics, she spoke on her YouTube channel and questioned the strength of the Team USA gymnastics lineup. She said, “Besides Simone Biles, the depth is not what it used to be.” These words upset many, including Simone Biles. Simone Biles fired back on Instagram after winning gold in Paris. She posted a team photo and added, “lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions.” Simone Biles later wrote on Threads, “Not everyone needs a mic and a platform.” MyKayla Skinner blocked Simone Biles on Instagram, and Simone Biles posted about it on X. Jordan Chiles also shared a picture showing the block. Even McKayla Maroney joined in and criticized MyKayla Skinner’s comments. 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