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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court while reviewing the status report filed by the Public Works Department (PWD) and New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) on the construction of separate toilets in all public buildings for transgender persons recently observed that there was no change in the actual ground reality.

The division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad while reviewing the status report filed by the government said that it was taking all the appropriate actions, however, there was not much change in the actual ground reality.

Counsel representing NDMC and PWD stated that all efforts were being made in this regard and that the construction of toilets was in progress. The counsel further stated that by the next hearing, they will submit a specific affidavit with details about the time period under which all the construction would be completed.

GNCTD had also filed a detailed chart containing minute details regarding toilets for transgender.

Hence, the court granted 4 weeks’ time to PWD to file a status report about the actions taken. Court also asked it to ensure that toilets were constructed as expeditiously as possible and said that in case this did not happen, the secretary of PWD would be directed to appear in person.

From NDMC, a similar report was filed that the construction was in progress, but the court said that the feasibility report filed did not reflect the ground reality and said that in case no changes were made, the court would direct the Chairman of NDMC to appear in person. Court granted NDMC 8 weeks' time for making the appropriate changes.

Accordingly, Court posted the matter for July 14, 2023, for further hearing.

Case Title: Jasmine Kaur Chhabra vs. Union of India & Ors.