Karnataka High Court Directs State Law University To Complete Transgender Student's Admission, Orders Hostel Accommodation & Financial Aid

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday [September 29] directed the Karnataka State Law University (KSLU) and Seshadripuram Law College to complete the admission procedure for the transgender law aspirant and ensure that the student joins the college and commences the three-year LL.B. course.

The Division Bench of Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice K.S Bharath Kumar has also directed the State's Women and Child Development Department to provide hostel accommodation, financial aid and other basic facilities while the student pursues his education.

“….There is a memo placed on record by 1^st respondent (student) wherein he states that out of the two colleges reserved by the court's order dated 07.04.2026, based on the facts narrated hereinabove, party in person would be limited to prefer the Seshadri Puram Law College….In the above view of the matter, it is directed that the 7^th respondent KSLU and 9^th respondent college take necessary steps to see that the admission procedure for the admission of 1^st respondent party in person in the 9^th respondent college is completed and the first respondent could join the college and commence his studies in the three year law course. The seat reserved in 8^th respondent [BMS] college shall be released...…there will be a further direction to state Women and Child Development Dept to see that appropriate steps are taken to provide hostel accommodation, financial aid and necessary basic facilities…”, the court noted in the order.

The court also clarified that the respondent Seshadripuram College shall also take initiative to address the requirements of the student.

The court was hearing an appeal filed by the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) against a Single Bench order directing it to provide 0.5% reservation to transgender persons in admissions.

Today, when the matter was taken up, the student placed a memo stating that he would prefer Seshadripuram Law College over BMS College of Law.

The student informed the court that Seshadripuram College had notified its merit list on September 22, which included the name of the petitioner. However, BMS College did not place any merit list no replied to his e-mails, it was submitted. He also submitted that this goes to the heart of the discrimination issue he has been agitating.

The petitioner also informed the Court that since Seshadripuram does not have a hostel facility, he was looking for accommodation close to the college since the classes begin by 7.30 AM everyday. According to the KSLU notification, the classes would commence on October 1.

On the financial aid aspect, the petitioner submitted that the issue had been agitated and also pointed out that as per KSLU norms, there is no provision for transgender persons' fees.

The AAG submitted that if the petitioner chooses Seshadripuram, the Women and Child Development Department may be directed to come up with avenues for accommodation and financial support.

The court orally observed: “…When the party-in-person goes before the college, some sensitivity and consideration ought to be given…..something can be done to avoid this perception of persecution”.

The court, in the order, also recorded the proactive role played by the Additional Advocate General Reuben Jacob in the proceedings, observing that the State counsel had been 'instrumental in seeing that the legal education of the 1st respondent doesn't suffer on account of any discrimination or persecution'.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 4.

Context

On the previous date of hearing, the court was informed that the KSLU, through a recent notification, has provided 1% reservation for transgender students in its 3-year LL.B. programme, pursuant to a special order issued by the State Government.

The High Court had then also taken on record the KSLU's admission notification incorporating the reservation.

The Bench had, in an earlier order dated July 20, 2026, directed the State to take steps towards providing reservation for transgender students in legal education..

The State also informed the Court that a proposal for 1% horizontal reservation for transgender persons in education had been forwarded by the State Women's Development Corporation and would require an amendment to the relevant rules.

However, since legal education falls within the Law Department, a special order was issued specifically in relation to legal education pursuant to the High Court's earlier directions.