Allahabad High Court Says Transgender Persons have No Legal Right to Collect ‘Badhai’ Gifts

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition concerning territorial demarcation for collection of “Badhai”; customary gifts traditionally sought by transgender persons during celebrations such as childbirth and marriages.

The Court held that there is no legal right to collect such gifts and no person or group can claim exclusive entitlement over any area for this purpose.

It observed that money, tax, fee, or similar collections can only be authorised by law, and no statutory framework exists recognising such customary claims.

Finding no enforceable legal right involved in the dispute, the Court refused to grant relief and dismissed the petition.

[Rekha Devi v. State of UP]