Recently, the National Law School of India University informed the Karnataka High Court that from Session year 2023, Executive Council will not provide reservation for transgender persons in course offered by the University.

The matter was heard before the single bench of Justice Ashok S Kinagi 

Further, the University mentioned that this in the statement of objections filed opposing a petition moved by one Mugil Anbu Vasantha, a transgender person, who has approached court after he did not qualify for admission to the course.

Currently, NLSIU's reservation policy includes 15% seats for Scheduled Castes, 7.5% for ST, 27% for OBCs and 10% for EWS. Of this, 5% is horizontally reserved for Persons with Disabilities, 30% for women, and 25% for the local students of the Karnataka.

Mugil Anbu Vasantha, seeks directions from the State and from the NLSIU to implement the Karnataka State Policy on Transgenders, 2017 and provide reservation to transgender persons, including themselves.

On the contrary,  the NLSUI submits that it has not violated any rights of the Petitioner or discriminated against them.

Further, they claim-

''It is not under an obligation in law to provide reservation to transgender persons in the admissions pursuant to NLSAT-LLB 2023''

Further, they said the particular decision was taken by Executive Council and educational institutions in the State of Karnataka.“Thus, there is no basis to the Petitioner’s claim to be granted admission to the Respondent University, by virtue of being a transgender person,” it is said.

The Court has granted time of one week to the Karnataka State government to file its reply in the matter.

The next date of hearing is on August 21.

Case Title - Mugil Anbu Vasantha And State of Karnataka & Others