Amnesty welcomes SC's transgender verdict

The apex court passed a verdict yesterday recognising the rights of transgender people

A millions lives would improve thanks to Supreme Court of India's recognition of transgender people's human rights, a right body has said.

"This ruling has the potential to significantly alter the lives of people who have suffered oppression for years," Programmes Director of Amnesty International India Shashikumar Velath said.

A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court yesterday ruled that discrimination based on gender identity violated constitutionally guaranteed rights to equality, freedom of expression, privacy, autonomy and dignity.

The Court directed central and state governments to grant legal recognition to transgender persons' self-identification as male, female or a 'third gender'; and put in place affirmative action and social welfare policies for them.

"It reaffirms constitutional values of inclusion and equality but as long as Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code stays on the books, discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity will remain a threat," he said.

With elections ongoing, Tuesday's ruling should provide the impetus for a new government to repeal this absurd law, he added.

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which was upheld in a Supreme Court ruling in December 2013, criminalizes consensual same-sex conduct between adults.