Transgenders can file sexual harassment case

New Delhi, Jan 1:  The trans community is currently battling the state to stop the Transgender Persons (Protection Of Rights) Bill, which has been labelled a ‘death sentence’ by the community. Amid the bleakness, the Delhi High Court’s latest ruling is a ray of light.

The Delhi HC has ruled that section 354A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) can now be used by transgender persons to register complaints of sexual harassment.

According to sources, this comes after Delhi Police refused to file a complaint of sexual harassment brought to them by a transgender student of Delhi University. She was harassed by a group of men, and when she approached the police, they claimed that the IPC did not cover trans men and women. The student then filed a petition in Delhi High Court.