SC clarifies on 2014 order on third gender, slams centre for delay in extending quota

The Supreme Court on Thursday clarified that only transgenders will be included in the category of 'third gender' - and not gays, lesbians or bisexuals. In a landmark judgement in 2014, Supreme Court had asked the government to include the category of 'third gender' in all its forms and subsequently extend the benefits of OBC quota to them. The government, however, claimed there was confusion

regarding who constituted the third gender (i.e. whether the category also included gays, lesbians and bisexuals).

Slamming centre for delay in giving quota to transgenders, the Supreme Court said, "There is no confusion. The judgment had clearly stated that lesbians, gays and bisexuals do not fall under the category of the third gender. Only transgenders fall under the category as per the Supreme Court order."