The Delhi government informed the Delhi High Court that it has completed the construction of 143 toilets for transgender individuals in the capital, with an additional 223 currently under construction. In a status report filed by the Social Welfare Department, it was revealed that work on 30 toilets is yet to commence. Moreover, the report highlighted that 1,584 toilets designated for persons with disabilities have also been made available for transgender individuals.
This disclosure came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Jasmine Kaur Chhabra, urging the government to provide separate toilet facilities for transgender individuals and those identifying as third gender. The PIL argued that transgender individuals often feel uncomfortable using facilities designated for men or women, thereby infringing upon their right to privacy. Additionally, the petition emphasized the heightened risk of sexual harassment faced by transgender individuals due to the absence of gender-neutral toilets.
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Furthermore, the petition underscored the plight of transgender individuals who choose not to disclose their identity due to societal stigma, resulting in their exclusion from essential healthcare services and consequently leading to the contraction of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other serious health issues.
In response to the court’s scrutiny, the government assured that the construction of these toilets would be expedited. Consequently, the court acknowledged the government’s commitment and disposed of the petition.
