NEW DELHI: Coming to the aid of a transgender person who wants to contest Lok Sabha elections but allegedly faces threats, Delhi High Court has ordered police to provide necessary security for the person to file the nomination.
The court stressed that it was the duty of the state to safeguard and enforce rights guaranteed to transgenders under the Constitution, while hearing plea of Rajan Singh, who wants to contest from South Delhi with the support of Rashtriya Bahujan Congress Party.
Singh moved court claiming there was a ''life threatening attack'' earlier this month at his office in Badarpur and sought directions for appropriate security.
''Article 14 of the Constitution of India ensures equal protection... in all spheres of state activity, including participation in the election process. Any discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity impairs equality before the law and violates Article 14 of the Constitution of India. The duty lies with the state for the purpose of safeguarding and enforcing the rights of transgenders guaranteed under the Constitution,'' Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta said in a recent order.
The court disposed of Singh’s plea with directions to DCP (south) to provide necessary security to him for filing the nomination form from the South Delhi constituency.
The counsel appearing for the state assured the court that in case the petitioner needed any security for filling the nomination, it could be provided. The police also assured the court that Singh’s plea seeking security and fearing a threat to life shall be further examined and a decision on the matter will be communicated to him.
However, police maintained that the incident as alleged by the petitioner could not be corroborated during an initial inquiry. The Election Commission's lawyer submitted that the nomination process began on April 29 and the petitioner can apply in accordance with the law.
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