Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has approved landmark initiatives to promote the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Supreme Court. Nine gender-neutral restrooms will be built at various locations in both the main building and the additional building complex of the Supreme Court. Additionally, online appearance slips will now be available.
The online Advocates Appearance Portal, which was launched by the apex court in December last year, has also been made gender-neutral.
There is an active proposal to rename the Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee to the Gender and Sexuality Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee. This change is believed to help broaden its scope.
Senior Advocate Dr Menaka Guruswamy has been added to the committee to ensure representation from the queer community.
These initiatives aim to raise awareness and promote the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring a dignified work environment for them at the apex court.
The move came following a request from Rohin Bhatt, a queer, non-binary lawyer, to Justice Hima Kohli, the Chairperson of the Supreme Court Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee, requesting infrastructural inclusivity in the Supreme Court. Bhatt had requested gender-neutral bathrooms on every floor of the Supreme Court. In November last year, Bhatt had written to CJI Chandrachud requesting a modification in Supreme Court appearance slips to include an additional column where lawyers’ pronouns can be added.
This progressive decision is a significant step forward in promoting equality and inclusivity in both public and private spaces. The lack of gender-neutral restrooms and the requirement of gender-specific appearance slips can cause considerable distress and discrimination for LGBTQIA+ individuals, who often face challenges in accessing basic facilities.
The court’s decision acknowledges the need for transgender and non-binary individuals to be treated with dignity and respect, and to have access to facilities that reflect their gender identity. By mandating gender-neutral restrooms, transgender and non-binary individuals will be able to use restrooms that are safe and comfortable spaces without having to face discrimination or harassment. The inclusion of the third gender option in appearance slips for online transactions will help eliminate the need for individuals to disclose their gender identity, which can often be a source of anxiety and discrimination.
