Varsity unveils handbook on rights of transgenders

Jindal Global University (JGU) has launched a handbook explaining the legal rights and protections available to transgender and gender non-conforming people in India, with the aim of making complex legal provisions easier to understand and access.

Titled “Rights of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People in India”, the handbook was unveiled by JGU Founding Vice Chancellor Professor C. Raj Kumar during a day-long legal training programme on transgender rights.

The programme was organised as part of the 7th Annual Hijra Habba, an initiative focused on creating greater awareness about the rights, concerns and social inclusion of transgender communities.

The handbook has been prepared by Dipika Jain, Associate Professor and Executive Director at JGU's Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), in collaboration with civil society organisations and international rights groups, including India HIV/AIDS Alliance, Multiple Action Research Group (MARG) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).

Jain said the publication seeks to simplify important aspects of constitutional and criminal law that directly affect the everyday lives of transgender and gender non-conforming people.

The handbook is divided into four key sections covering Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, obtaining government identification documents and the Right to Information. By bringing these subjects together in accessible language, the publication aims to help readers better understand their legal rights and the mechanisms available to seek assistance.

Danish Sheikh, Assistant Professor at JGLS, who translated the handbook into Hindi, said it was intended to bridge the gap between legal provisions and their practical application in society. He added that the publication could also serve as an educational and training resource for future legal-awareness programmes.

The handbook is expected to be made available online and translated into seven additional regional languages, expanding its reach beyond English-speaking audiences.

The initiative is particularly relevant because awareness of legal rights can play an important role in helping marginalised communities access government services, challenge discrimination and seek legal remedies. By combining legal information with training and community outreach, the handbook could serve as a practical resource for both members of the transgender community and organisations working on their behalf.