Back
Stations Lack Separate Lockups for Transgenders: State Proposes ₹25.86 Cr Fix in High Court PIL
Chandigarh, – In a significant update to a pushing for better facilities for transgender persons in Punjab's prisons and police stations, the state has admitted there are currently no separate lockups for them. However, Punjab has rolled out a detailed plan, including a hefty ₹25.86 crore budget proposal, to address the gaps. The is closely monitoring progress in Sunpreet Singh vs. Union of India & Ors. (CWP-PIL No. 116 of ).
The PIL That Sparked Action: Demanding Dignity Behind Bars
Filed by Ludhiana resident Sunpreet Singh in , this PIL highlights the vulnerabilities of transgender individuals in custody. The petitioner sought urgent directions for:
- Separate wards, cells, and toilets for transgender persons in Punjab prisons.
- Dedicated lockups in all police stations.
- A clear mechanism to identify gender before admission to prisons or lockups.
- Transgender Protection Cells at district and state levels, headed by District Magistrates and police.
The High Court, on , took note of prior instructions from the Additional Director General of Police to create separate cells for male and female transgender inmates in jails. It directed the state to file an clarifying the status in jails and police stations, with the next hearing set for .
State's Candid Reply: Gaps Exist, But Wheels Are Turning
In compliance, Assistant Inspector General of Police Sarbjit Singh, from the 's Litigation wing, filed an on . Key revelations:
"That information, obtained from field units revealed that at present, there is no provision for separate lockups for transgender persons in the Police Stations in State of Punjab."
Field units assessed costs, leading to a precise budget estimate of Rs. 25,86,17,500/- under the head "4055-Capital Outlay on Police." The 's Budget branch forwarded this to the , which advised raising it during revised estimates for FY 2025-26 (see Annexure R-1, dated ).
The
underscores the state's commitment:
"The police is willing and determined to ensure meticulous compliance of directions of this
pertaining to the issue of separate lockups for male and female transgender persons in the police stations."
Safeguards in Place: How Transgenders Are Identified Today
On gender identification – a core prayer – the state detailed current practices:
"As and when any transgender person is taken to the Police Station or lodged in police lock up, an identification of the transgender person is either ensured through a medical check-up conducted upon the person of transgender by the nearest government hospital or through verification of documentary proof produced by the transgender person in the form of Aadhar Card, Voter Card etc."
No issues were flagged with prison cells, as earlier ADGP instructions stand.
A Step Forward: Protection Cell Gets Green Light
Adding momentum, the Director General of Police has approved a state-level under the Special Director General of Police (Community Affairs). It will include infrastructure like workspaces and manpower, signaling proactive reform.
Media reports echo this: Punjab has "filed a reply" confirming no lockups yet but readiness to build, with funds pending approval – a nod to the PIL's impact without a final court order.
Road Ahead: Court's Watchful Eye on Implementation
While no formal ruling has been issued, the High Court fixed the next hearing for . This keeps the pressure on, potentially paving the way for enforceable directives. For transgender rights advocates, it's progress amid stark admissions – but real change hinges on budget sanction and swift construction.
This case underscores growing judicial scrutiny on inclusive custody under constitutional guarantees like (right to life and dignity), especially post-Supreme Court recognition of transgender persons as a " ."
Stay tuned for court updates as Punjab moves from promises to partitions.
