On 29th September 2025, CLPR hosted a training workshop on the rights of transgender persons for its 2023-2025 cohort of 27 Paralegal Volunteers (PLVs). It also marked the end of the PLV training programme, which is a part of CLPR’s Constitutional Defenders Project supported by the Azim Premji Foundation.
Part 1: Workshop on the Rights of Transgender Persons – Jayna Kothari, Senior Advocate and CLPR Executive Director
Ms. Kothari led an interactive training session on the rights of transgender persons in India, particularly under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. She began by asking the PLVs if they had dealt with issues regarding the rights of transgender people in the course of their work, observing the importance of PLVs familiarising themselves with this issue. She then proceeded to elaborate on the rights of transgender persons as per the Supreme Court judgment in NALSA v Union of India (2014) emphasising the right to self-identify gender. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 which followed recognizes the rights of transgender persons to not be discriminated, in addition to providing the facilities for legally changing gender.
Ms. Kothari explained the process of applying for a TG Certificate and Revised certificate under Sections 5-7 of the Act, noting the importance of the card to avail legal recognition and benefits. She also gave an overview of various High Court decisions which have affirmed the rights of transgender persons to have their educational or other official documentation changed on the basis of their chosen name and gender.
Next, Ms. Kothari covered the Act’s anti-discrimination provisions, and protection from violence. She underscored the applicability of the Act to both private and public establishments, with even private offices being duty-bound to appoint Complaints officers. PLVs also shared their experiences engaging on transgender rights, noting how the specific protections offered by the Act were a powerful tool, since police and other institutions often neglected the issues of transgender persons under general criminal provisions.
Part 2: Paralegal Volunteer Programme Convocation
The closing session of CLPR’s Paralegal Volunteers (PLVs) Programme was marked by a powerful exchange of reflections, gratitude, and renewed commitment. In a space dedicated to collective sharing, each PLV spoke about their journey through the programme, highlighting the transformative impact of the training, the challenges encountered while working within their communities, and the deep sense of purpose that emerged from their engagement with the law.
Subramanyam KG, a PLV working in the Chikkaballapur district affirmed that through the PLV programme, he “know[s] of all the procedural requirements of writing a complaint. I also now know how to approach police and how to talk to them.”
Anusha, a transgender rights activist and PLV from Bangalore reflected on the satisfaction felt on being able to work as a PLV – “I feel very happy with the work I have done as a PLV. Even now, there are people from the community who reach out for help. Even if it is not as a PLV, I will continue to work for the community.”
Venkatesh K., a PLV working in Tumkur explained how earlier, his work as a social worker was restricted to caste-related discrimination. Through the PLV programme, he learned of issues faced by other vulnerable groups, including transgender persons, and has successfully assisted “transgender persons with TG cards, Aadhaar cards, BPL, Ration card, etc. We have also made them aware of the law.”
Across the testimonials, a consistent theme resonated: empowerment through knowledge and solidarity. The PLVs articulated how the structured support and legal capacity-building offered through the programme equipped them not only with technical skills but also with the confidence and courage to assert their rights and assist others in doing the same. Many shared that they now felt able to approach institutions such as police stations with assurance – an act that once felt intimidating but now symbolises their growth as community-based justice advocates.
The convocation ended with the distribution of certificates recognizing each PLV. This closing gathering was not merely an end, but a reaffirmation of the PLVs’ role as empowered legal intermediaries, and a celebration of their commitment to building more just and inclusive communities.