The directive was issued while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Swati Bidhan Baruah, emphasising alleged negligence by authorities in addressing the medical needs of Assam’s transgender community
GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to clarify whether the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the central government regarding medical treatment and facilities for the transgender community has been implemented in the state. This SOP was earlier issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on September 3, 2024.
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A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Kaushik Goswami, recently instructed the government to respond to the affidavit. “The learned counsel appearing for the respondent government department is directed to file a response... clarifying whether the SOP dated 03.09.2024... has been implemented in the State of Assam, or not,” the court stated.
The court also sought details of measures taken by the state in compliance with the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. The Act mandates equal rights and welfare for transgender persons, including access to healthcare.
The directive was issued while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Swati Bidhan Baruah, emphasising alleged negligence by authorities in addressing the medical needs of Assam’s transgender community. This PIL specifically raised concerns about the lack of reconstructive surgery facilities for transgender individuals.
In an additional affidavit, the petitioner also informed the court about the SOP, highlighting it as the state’s responsibility to implement it.
The matter has been listed for the next hearing on March 3.
