Trans Justice & the Law Clinic (2023-24)
In collaboration with Transmen Collective and ILGA Asia
The Law and Marginalisation Clinic at the Centre for Justice, Law and Society at Jindal Global Law School in collaboration with Transmen Collective and ILGA Asia, offered the Trans Justice and the Law Clinic at Jindal Global Law School for the academic year 2023-24. This course aimed to (i) develop tools for legal empowerment and advocacy for queer, transgender and gender- diverse persons, (ii) increase legal awareness among queer, transgender and gender-diverse persons on their rights, and (iii) introduce students to the legal framework that seeks to protect queer, transgender and gender-diverse persons through reflective and critical lenses. Each of our clinical courses has been conceptualized and developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, whose lived experiences deeply inform our projects and advocacy efforts. This year, the clinical project focused on the complex legal landscape that facilitates policing practices and unjust incarceration of queer, trans and gender-diverse bodies, particularly with respect to kinship and cohabitation in the context.
The emerging jurisprudence around the right to cohabitation of queer persons underscores the imminent need for increased and nuanced awareness of the legal framework and rights therein. To this end, the Trans Justice and the Law Clinic developed a (i) a ‘Know Your Rights’ publication for queer, transgender and gender-diverse persons, and (ii) a legal primer for lawyers.
This publication addresses key issues on the legal status of queer relationships, the recognition of diverse gender identities and the implications of such factors in cases related to elopement, particularly within carceral contexts such as police stations. By exploring these facets, the publication aims to empower individuals with knowledge, foster awareness and contribute to a more equitable legal landscape for co-habitation in India.
Guest Lectures
The Clinic hosted several guest lectures in the fall semester, including those by Ajita Banerjie and Manuraj Shunmugasundaram.
Events
The lecture delved into the evolving legal landscape concerning LGBTQIA+ rights. Spanning from the Naz Foundation to Navtej Johar, there has been a shift in the judicial approach towards alternative sexualities and gender minorities. Recent cases adjudicated by the Madras High Court have further redefined LGBTQIA+ jurisprudence. This lecture scrutinised whether the legal issues and accompanying legislative frameworks are adequately aligned with judicial directives.
September 12, 2023
Guest lecture on “The Emerging LGBTQIA+ Legal Architecture” by Manuraj Shunmugasundaram
March 1, 2024
Workshop on Trans and Queer Couples’ Right to Cohabitation.
We organized a one-day consultation at Jindal Global Law School to ensure that the publications reflect multiple perspectives from queer, transgender and gender-diverse communities, experts, scholars, activists as well as other stakeholders across India. The consultation was divided into several panel discussions, each of which will delve into different aspects of the legal framework that impede or impact the right to cohabitation. We will have the opportunity to receive feedback and collaboratively develop the publications to ensure that they are accessible and useful in addressing the continued violation of queer, trans and gender diverse persons’ rights.
Gallery
