The Gauhati High Court has sought response from Assam government on a petition alleging failure of the state authorities to maintain sheltered homes for the transgender community.
Chief Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Manash Ranjan Pathak of the Division Bench has ordered the additional senior government advocate to seek instructions regarding the issue by Thursday 8 April 2021.
This order is passed in relation to the PIL filed by the all Assam Transgender Association who contested that the funds for the financial year 2020-2021 to be released for the welfare of the transgender community in Assam were not released in proper time and therefore it has expired with the end of the financial year.
The Association apprehends that shelter homes which were being run through such funds will now be starving for funds and their very existence is under threat.
During the hearing State Council assured the court that he shall get instructions in the matter as early as possible and he further assured the court that no action shall be taken by the government to close down any of the shelter homes for the transgender community.
The next date is now set for Thursday 8th April 2021.
The High Court Bench also asked the Assam Government if any schemes to look after the health issues of the members of the transgender community is being proposed.
Case title: All Assam transgender Association vs State of Assam and ors.
