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By recognising the transgender community as a third gender entitled to the same rights and constitutional protection as all other citizens, the Supreme Court has put in place a sound basis to end discrimination based on gender, especially gender as presumed to be assigned to individuals at birth. Further, beyond prohibiting discrimination and harassment, the Court has extended global principles of dignity, freedom and autonomy to this unfairly marginalised and vulnerable community. The verdict lays down a comprehensive framework that takes into its fold not merely the negative right against discrimination, but also “the positive right to make decisions about their lives, to express themselves and to choose which activities to take part in.” In particular, its direction that they should be treated as ‘socially and educationally backward’ and given reservation in education and employment, is a far-reaching contribution to their all-round development. The jurisprudential basis for the jud...

The Election Commission drew attention to Section 126A of the Representation of the People’s Act which bars media from publishing outcome of exit polls. Taking exception to the telecast/publication of `opinion polls’ on the general election in States and Union territories where polling has already concluded, the Election Commission has cautioned the media to desist from the practice to “maintain a level playing field.” In a communication address to all Chief Editors/Heads of television channels and print media, the Commission drew attention to Section 126A of the Representation of the People’s Act (RPA) which bars media from publishing outcome of exit polls. In a communication, the EC referred to the opinion poll broadcast by a TV channel on April 14 and said it included results of 111 Lok Sabha constituencies where balloting has taken place, which "in effect becomes dissemination of result of exit polls in respect of the said constituencies." "The prohibited period f...