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Karnataka High Court Bars Strip-Search Identification in Transgender Survey

The bench required a confidentiality affidavit within three days with the State’s objections due on December 5.

Overview

  • A Division Bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C. M. Poonacha issued an interim order restraining use of strip-and-search identification in the ongoing exercise.
  • Officials must inform transgender persons that participation in the survey is voluntary before calling them to take part.
  • All information gathered since the September 15 launch must remain strictly confidential, and the Social Welfare Department must explain safeguards in an affidavit within three days.
  • Anita Humanitarian Foundation’s petition challenges the ‘Gender Minority’ survey under the Transgender Persons Act, 2019, and Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
  • The court issued notice to the State and set December 5 for filing objections, while the petition seeks compensation, a public apology, and accountability for alleged forced verification.