Telangana HC pulls state for not extending quota to third gender applicants

HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court on Thursday expressed displeasure at the state government for not extending reservations to transgender community in academics. The Division Bench, comprising acting Chief Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili and Justice Namavarapu Rajeshwara Rao, pulled up the state government for the delay in implementing Supreme Court orders in relation to extending reservations to third gender communities in educational institutions and public appointments.

The court was dealing with a petition filed by a third gender person Dr. Ruthu John Paul, who completed MBBS in 2017 and attended NEET PG examinations to join a PG course in gynaecology.

During counselling, the national medical council considered her for only SC category as the state government had not provided any transgender quota. Challenging the same, Ruthu John Paul approached the High Court, which, on June 20, issued orders to the government to extend reservation to the petitioner beyond the SC quota. As this order has not been complied with, the petitioner again approached the High Court. Senior counsel L. Ravichander submitted that the government had not taken any steps despite court orders to provide for third gender reservations.

The ACJ said that due to the negligent attitude of the government, the petitioner was forced to approach the court two to three times.

After the government counsel sought a week’s time, the court adjourned the case to July 27.