Human Rights Day / Sensitization Programme at Lamphel Court
- 10th December 2024 :: Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) -

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Human Rights Day / Sensitization Programme at Lamphel Court

The office of Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) observed Human Rights Day cum Sensitization Programme on the theme “Constitutional & Legal Rights of LGBTQ” on 10th December, 2024 at 2.00 PM at the Conference Hall, ADR Building, Lamphel Court Complex, Imphal.

The programme was attended by Ms. Bineshwori Maibam, Addl. Member Secretary, MASLSA; Ms. Rajshree Yambem, Deputy Member Secretary, MASLSA; Ms. Khangembam Rojita Devi, O.S.D., MASLSA; Panel Lawyers of MASLSA; Legal Aid Defense Counsels, Para Legal Volunteers etc.

Shri Alek Muivah, Member Secretary, MASLSA delivered the welcome address & he highlighted that today’s Sensitization Programme is organized in view of the directions given by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty & Anr. Versus Union of India.

The Supreme Court of India while denying a legal rights between same sex marriage has issued directions to protect the constitutional and legal rights of the LGBTQ community. It also observed that LGBTQ faces discrimination from State including the Police and their natal families.

The Court reaffirm that LGBTQ has a right to determine their sexual orientation and gender identity without fear of discrimination or harm. The LGBTQ community often are victims of bullying, slur & derogatory comments. They are also often fired from jobs or denial of being hired or promotion besides physical and sexual harassment.

As per census 2011, there are 4,80,000 transgender persons in India. Of late, the society are showing more tolerance and acceptance towards the LGBTQ community. Further, the LGBTQ community are becoming more bolder in asserting their rights & identities. Perhaps, it is because of the protection & rights granted by the Judiciary & under Articles 14, 19, 21 & 25 of the Constitution of India.

The LGBTQ community can enjoy their fundamental rights under Article 19 such as the freedom of speech & expression, freedom to form association & assemble peacefully. Further, it is a legal right for the LGBTQ community to register as third gender in any beneficial scheme or enrolments.

Human Rights Day / Sensitization Programme at Lamphel Court

He also appealed to all the legal fraternity including the Panel Lawyers, Legal Aid Defence Counsels, Paralegal Volunteers to acclimatize themselves with the rights of the third gender so that they may be able to render competent & effective legal aid as and when approach by the LGBTQ community. He also appealed to the media persons to spread awareness about the rights & entitlements of the LGBTQ community & also to contained the discrimination against the LGBTQ Community.

Shri Rakesh Meihoubam, Director, Human Rights Law Network & Smt. Randhoni Lairikyengbam, Assistant Director, SAATHII as Resource Persons deliberated on the topics “Laws relating to Transgender Persons in India: A Special Reference to Manipur” & Needs and Issues of Gender and Sexual diverse individuals – experience from LAC for GSM communities”.

(Alek Muivah)
Member Secretary
Manipur State Legal Services Authority
ADR Building,
Lamphel Court Complex,
Lamphelpat, Imphal