NLSIU Admission Policy Discriminates Against Transgender Persons

A 33-year-old transgender petitioner sought admission to  National Law School of India University NLSIU's 3-year LLB course, challenging discriminatory admission and financial aid policies. Admitted under the general category, the petitioner faced financial difficulties and was threatened with admission cancellation for non-payment.

The petitioner argued NLSIU’s policies violated equality principles and the NALSA judgment, while NLSIU contended the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2019 did not mandate such reservations.

The Karnataka High Court ordered NLSIU to provide 0.5% interim reservation and a fee waiver for transgender candidates, directing the university to align its policy with the NALSA judgment and the state to create a reservation policy.