Transgender moves High Court, seeks protection from ‘mentor
Chandigarh, In an out-of-the-ordinary case, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the police authorities to consider a transgender’s grievance before taking action as deemed fit in accordance with law. The direction by Justice Deepak Sibal of the High Court came after the transgender alleged threat to life and liberty from her mentor and other respondents.
By Saurabh Malik
As the petition filed by Latika against the state of Haryana and other respondents came up for preliminary hearing before Justice Sibal’s Bench, the petitioner’s counsel submitted that he would be satisfied at the current stage if directions were issued to the respondent – Station House Officer (SHO), police station, Sector 9, Ambala — to consider and take a final decision on the petitioner’s representation, dated September 20.
Appearing before the Bench on advance notice, the state counsel submitted that he had no objection if the prayer was accepted.
“After hearing counsel for the parties, the present petition is disposed of with a direction to the respondent – the SHO — to forthwith consider the grievances raised by the petitioner in the representation made to him/her and take action thereupon as he/she deems fit in accordance with law,” Justice Sibal asserted.
Latika, in the petition, had earlier submitted that she was a member of the transgender community and was living under constant danger from certain respondents, who were threatening her to either leave Ambala City or face elimination.
Going into the background of the matter, the petitioner contended that she was earlier a “chela” or disciple of a respondent. However, later they parted ways. As a result, the respondent started pressuring the petitioner to leave Ambala City.
The petitioner added that she was attacked and threatened in the past also at the respondent’s behest. “The petitioner has reasonable apprehension to believe that the respondents may attack her, either themselves, through their goons or any anti-social elements, just to make the petitioner flee Ambala City out of fear,” her counsel submitted, adding that approaching the High Court by way of the present petition was the only efficacious and speedy remedy available to her.
Courtesy :The Tribune
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