The Delhi high court on Wednesday directed the Delhi University and Central Board of Secondary Education to help a transgender who is seeking change in her name and gender in her education records. The bench comprising of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao have stated the right of the transgenders, to declare their gender identity, recognised by the Supreme Court.
The transgender who wants her records changed is no more a student, and the CBSE and DU said that once a student has left the institution, his or her past records cannot be modified. The Board has taken the stand that it would entertain request for such a change only if it is made before publication of the 10th or 12th results, while DU norms say that for change of name and gender, the same have to be first altered in the CBSE record.
Expressing displeasure of the stand taken by the two statutory bodies, the bench said: “You cannot say it is history for you. You keep your history, but give her a certificate declaring her changed name and gender. Give a declaration without changing your records. You should understand the practical problems they (transgenders) suffer.
“If they apply for a passport now, it will be put in objection due to contradiction in their names and gender now and what is shown in their education records. You need to be considerate. You cannot put everyone in one basket and say that you won’t do it.”
The Court will further discuss the matter in next hearing on March 13.
