The Supreme Court of India has ordered the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat to compensate transgender teacher Jane Kaushik for employment discrimination, marking a landmark step in enforcing transgender rights.
The 176-page judgment, delivered by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, criticized both the Union and State governments for their &ldquo;grossly apathetic attitude&rdquo; and &ldquo;administrative lethargy&rdquo; in addressing Kaushik&rsquo;s grievances.
Kaushik, who underwent gender-affirming surgery in 2019, was first employed at Uma Devi Children&rsquo;s Academy in Uttar Pradesh in November 2022. However, she resigned after just eight days, citing harassment and body-shaming by colleagues and students. Despite assurances from the principal, her transgender identity was disclosed to others, and she was allegedly pressured to leave.
In July 2023, Kaushik received a teaching offer from JP Modi School in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which was subsequently withdrawn after her transgender status was revealed. The Court ruled that both instances constituted discrimination under Section 9 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and Article 15 of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court directed JP Modi School to pay Rs 50,000 to Kaushik and ordered the UP and Gujarat governments to each pay Rs 50,000 for failing to establish adequate grievance mechanisms. The bench observed that government inaction &ldquo;led non-state establishments to put compliance in a cold freeze,&rdquo; calling it a serious violation of rights.
The Court further mandated under Article 142 that every district must establish Transgender Protection Cells, all establishments must appoint complaint officers, and state governments must set up welfare boards. A national toll-free helpline will also be created for reporting violations.
The bench emphasized that transgender and gender-diverse persons are not required to seek employer permission for gender-affirming procedures, noting that such self-determination is &ldquo;an integral part of personal autonomy and human dignity.&rdquo;
The directives will remain under the Court&rsquo;s continuing supervision to ensure effective implementation and safeguard transgender rights across the country.

SC emphasises rights and dignity of transgender teacher, directing state action

UP, Gujarat to Compensate Transgender Teacher

SC emphasises rights and dignity of transgender teacher, directing state action

October 24, 2025 | 16:57 IST