Madras High Court Upholds Transgender Rights for Veterinary Course Admissions

The Madras High Court has directed Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) not to reject A Nivetha's application for an undergraduate course on the basis of her being transgender. The court ruled in favor of Nivetha, ordering the university to consider her application based on merit within two weeks.

The Madras High Court has ruled that the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) must not reject the application of a transgender candidate for an undergraduate course.

Justice M Dhandapani made this decision while addressing a petition from A Nivetha, who challenged the university's prospectus that failed to categorize transgender individuals under a special category. Nivetha sought to quash this as illegal.

The judge directed that TANUVAS consider Nivetha's application dated June 26, 2024, and appropriately place her if she qualifies on merit, emphasizing that her application should not be denied on the grounds of her transgender status.

(With inputs from agencies.)