Supreme Court to Hear Plea on Transgender Reservation in Medical Education

The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea concerning the reservation of seats for transpersons in higher medical education institutions. The petition, brought forward by senior advocate Indira Jaising, seeks the implementation of reservation benefits for transgender candidates, in line with the 2014 NALSA judgment.

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on September 18 to deliberate on a plea requesting seat reservations for transgender individuals in higher medical education institutions. This issue, brought to attention by senior advocate Indira Jaising, questions how the quota should be implemented—horizontally and applicable across different social categories.

The plea is grounded in the 2014 NALSA judgment, which acknowledged the rights of transgender persons, including their eligibility for affirmative action. Petitioners, represented by Jaising, seek clarity on the application of these reservations, particularly for postgraduate medical courses.

With conflicting high court orders, the case hinges on whether transgender candidates' entrance exams should have designated cut-off marks under the proposed reservations. The outcome could set a pivotal precedent for education and transgender rights in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)