SHC calls comments on plea for establishment of protection centres for transgender persons

The Sindh High Court has directed federal and provincial law officers to file comments on a petition seeking the establishment of protection centres and special vocational training programmes for transgender persons and action against begging by transgender persons at public places.

The direction came on a petition filed by Samira Mohammadi, who highlighted inaction of part of the police and the district administration against transgender persons, who could be seen roaming around the streets and demanding money from passengers in vehicles at traffic signals and causing harassment to them.

The petitioner submitted that bagging otherwise is prohibited and treated as a criminal offence, while in case of transgender persons it amounts to extortion through use of force. She submitted that various incidents have been reported in the newspapers with regard to their hostile attitude and even committing crime.

She said that it appears that they are operating under the umbrella of police and other officials, who do not take action against such unscrupulous elements who are seen at traffic signals on the main roads in groups, especially late at night.

She requested the court to direct the Karachi commissioner, the Sindh inspector general of police and the chairman of the National Database Registration Authority to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment for a harmone test for determination of gender and to establish protection and special vocational training programmes for transgender persons to help them earning their livelihood.

The petitioner also requested the court to direct all relevant authorities to take stern action against begging by the transgender persons at traffic signals and other public places under Section 17 of the Transgender Act.

The SHC’s constitutional bench observed in its order that federal and provincial law officers were directed to file comments on the petition; however, no comments were filed. The court observed that the Nadra counsel was also absent and directed him to file comments at the next date of the hearing.

The court directed federal and provincial law officers to file comments on behalf of respondents on the petition. The court also directed the petitioner to point out any specific violation of the law on the next date of hearing.