No Separate Lockups For Transgender Persons Yet; ₹25.86 Cr Proposal Sent For Creating Gender-Segregated Cells: Punjab Tells P&H High Court

The State of Punjab has filed a reply in response to the Punjab & Haryana High Court's query regarding the creation of separate cells for transgender persons in jails and police stations. The matter was being heard in a public interest litigation filed by the petitioner seeking directions for the creation of separate wards, lockups and toilets for transgender persons in prisons and police stations, along with the establishment of a mechanism for the identification of gender and the constitution of dedicated protection cells. The Court had earlier, on 20.03.2025, directed the State to clarify whether separate cells for male and female transgender inmates existed in jails and police stations, in light of instructions issued by the Additional Director General of Police to create such facilities.In compliance, an affidavit was filed by the Assistant Inspector General of Police stating that at present, there is no provision for separate lockups for transgender persons in police stations across the State. It was submitted that field units had been directed to assess the requirement and expenditure involved in setting up separate lockups for male and female transgender persons, and based on the information received, an amount of Rs. 25,86,17,500/- has been worked out for establishing such facilities.The affidavit further stated that the matter of allocation of funds has been taken up with the Department of Home Affairs, which has indicated that the proposal for funds may be considered at the stage of revised estimates for the financial year 2025–26. With regard to the identification of transgender persons, it was submitted that presently, such identification is ensured either through medical examination conducted at the nearest government hospital or through verification of documentary proof, such as an Aadhaar Card or a Voter Card produced by the individual.The State also informed the Court that approval has been granted by the Director General of Police, Punjab, for the establishment of a Transgender Protection Cell at the State level under the control of the police department, along with necessary infrastructure, including physical space, manpower and other facilities.Case Title: Sunpreet Singh vs. Union of India & Ors. [CWP-PIL No. 116 of 2023]Click Here To Read/Download Order

No Separate Lockups For Transgender Persons Yet; ₹25.86 Cr Proposal Sent For Creating Gender-Segregated Cells: Punjab Tells P&H High Court

Saksham Vaishya

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