The High Court of Patna has directed the State Government to ensure that no member of the transgender community be deprived of his Ration only on account of such status or not possessing the Ration Card.
The bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Karol & Justice S. Kumar, was hearing a petition filed by Veera Yadav highlighting the plight of transgender amid COVID-19 lockdown and praying for financial assistance to the members of the community.
The bench on the previous occasion had issued notice observing that the petitioner had invited the Courts attention towards the pitiable state of affairs of the transgender in the State of Bihar and the community was allegedly being ostracized, more so in the times of the current outbreak of pandemic COVID-19.
However, Advocate Ajay appearing for the State Government apprised the Court that he has already forwarded the application to the concerned authority and he has personally taken up the matter with the District Supply Officer and the grievance would be redressed immediately.
He further informed the court that “the Government of Bihar has taken a decision of distributing food grains to all who are otherwise eligible and entitled to, even if they do not possess the Ration Card.”
The Court observing that Advocate Ajay has been taking a proactive role in the matter, asked him to persuade the authorities in meeting with the immediate requirements of the members of the transgender community residing in different parts of Bihar.
The bench further directing implementation of all policies and instructions framed by the Central and State government with respect to providing relief to the Transgender, listed the matter for further hearing on June 22.
-India Legal Bureau