Hyderabad prison establishes gender-neutral cell for transgender inmates
The facility has also allowed inmates to wear affirmative clothing following an intervention by the National Human Rights Commission.
Authorities at the Chanchalguda Central Prison in Hyderabad have set up a dedicated gender-neutral cell for inmates with diverse gender identities and expressions, according to reports by The Hindu and Deccan Chronicle.
The move follows an intervention by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and a visit to the prison on October 8 by the Commission’s Special Monitor. The monitor oversees rights for the LGBTQ+ community and transgender persons.
In a compliance report submitted to the NHRC, the Superintendent of Central Prison, Hyderabad, confirmed that the recommendation to create the gender-neutral cell has been implemented. The prison authorities also stated that inmates in the facility are now permitted to wear affirmative clothing.
The NHRC stated that the initiative aims to protect the human rights and dignity of people with diverse gender identities and expressions within correctional institutions.
During the October 8 visit, the implementation of advisories from the NHRC and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was emphasised to support the welfare of transgender inmates.