Chanchalguda Prison Sets Up Gender-Neutral Cell and Permits Affirmative Clothing

Overview

• Prison authorities at Chanchalguda Central Prison in Hyderabad have established a gender-neutral cell for people with diverse gender identities and expressions.
• The Superintendent formally told the National Human Rights Commission in a compliance report that the cell has been set up and affirmative clothing is now permitted for accommodated persons.
• The move followed a visit by the NHRC’s Special Monitor focused on transgender and LGBTQ+ rights, which stressed implementing NHRC and Ministry of Home Affairs advisories.
• The NHRC said the measures aim to protect the human rights and dignity of transgender persons in custody and said it will maintain oversight of implementation.
• Advocates and officials will be watching for follow-up details on how the new cell will be managed, how clothing policies will be applied in practice, and whether other prisons adopt similar steps.