Lawyer Collective Forum to be set up in Chhattisgarh soon

RAIPUR,INDIA: Lawyers in Chhattisgarh are set to form a collective forum dedicated to providing legal aid to the transgender community. The initiative was announced during an advocacy meeting held under the Saahas Project at Hotel Citrus Pride in Raipur.

The event brought together 40 lawyers, 25 government officials, and 15 community leaders from different districts. Transgender community members shared their experiences and legal challenges through case studies, while legal experts offered guidance and potential solutions. Discussions focused on key laws, including the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, CRPC, and the Transgender Persons’ Rights Protection Act, 2019.

The meeting commenced with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, followed by a welcome speech from the Saahas Project Director. Ankit Haldar, Program Manager, provided an overview of the project through a presentation.

Vidya Rajput, President of Chhattisgarh Mitwa Sankalp Samiti, highlighted the legal difficulties faced by transgender individuals, while transmen activist Popidevanth discussed the specific struggles of transmen. Community members from different regions, including Kanchan Shendra from Durg, Shreya Shrivas from Bilaspur, Ranjit Raj from Raigarh, and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Sadhvi Saumya, presented real-life case studies illustrating their legal issues.

In response, legal professionals proposed solutions. Sonal Sharma, Secretary of the Raipur Advocates Association, and Amit Soni, former retainer advocate of the District Legal Authority, provided insights into the Indian Judicial Code and Civil Security Code. Raveena, Project Director of Saahas, elaborated on the provisions of the Transgender Persons’ Rights Protection Act, 2019.

A key outcome of the meeting was a collective decision by participating advocates to establish a statewide lawyer collective forum in Chhattisgarh. This forum will specifically address the legal concerns of transgender individuals.

Legal experts from various fields will be registered with the forum, and their contact information will be made publicly accessible, ensuring the transgender community has reliable legal support.