By M Ahmad
Srinagar- The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has asked the government of J&K as well as Ladakh to submit an “updated” status report regarding compliance to its directions including for ensuring and enabling the inclusive environment to the transgenders in twin UTs.
“We require the respondents – Union Territory of J&K as well as Union Territory of Ladakh- to submit the updated status report as regards compliance of the various directions issued by this Court …without fail so that appropriate orders can be passed,” a bench of Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh and Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi said while hearing a Public Interest Litigation.
The directions followed submissions by counsel representing the petitioners who submitted that various orders passed by the Court relating to transgenders have not been complied with.
Among others, he highlighted that authorities were required to conduct census which has not been done so far.
On 28 March 2019, a detailed order was issued relating to educational institutions, reservation in jobs, right to vote, driving license and free medical treatment etc. in terms of the directions issued by the Supreme Court in this regard.
Order dated 19 July 2019 specifically called for ensuring and enabling the inclusive environment to the transgenders in J&K while order dated 28 October 2020 related to their admission in schools and colleges.
“An array of directions were issued by this Court from time to time. However, as to the steps taken by the State authorities, the same has not been placed on record, though it has been submitted that various steps have been taken,” the court observed, adding, “Be that as it may, we require the respondents – Union Territory of J&K as well as Union Territory of Ladakh to submit the updated status report as regards compliance of the various directions issued by this Court as referred to above without fail so that appropriate orders can be passed.”
In this regard, the court also directed petitioners to submit the suggestions as to the steps which may be required to be taken so that the same may be taken into consideration while issuing directions to the authorities concerned. The court ordered listing of the PIL on July 19.
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