Rajasthan HC Seeks Response Against Circular Classifying Transgender Persons As OBCs

The Rajasthan High Court directed the state to respond to a plea challenging a 2023 circular that classifies transgender persons as members of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) instead of granting them horizontal reservation benefits.

Petitioner Ganga Kumari, a transwoman, argued that the circular is unconstitutional and violates the NALSA v. Union of India judgment, which mandated special reservation benefits for transgender persons as socially and educationally backward citizens.

The plea claimed that the circular perpetuates inequality by excluding transgender-specific benefits, particularly for trans persons already part of oppressed castes.

The State, represented by Additional Advocates General Praveen Khandelwal, BL Bhati, and others, was given two weeks to file its response.