Imphal: High Court of Manipur on Tuesday made a judgment allowing transgender Dr. Beoncy Laishram to change name and gender from transgender to female in all official documents, setting a precedent for the entire Northeast region.
The 32-year-old doctor, originally registered as “Boboi Laishram” with male gender in matriculation, higher secondary, MBBS, and medical council certificates, underwent gender reassignment surgery in October 2019.
Following due process under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, the District Magistrate of Imphal West issued her a transgender certificate and identity card recognizing her as “Dr. Beoncy Laishram,” female. While her Aadhaar, Voter ID, and PAN cards were updated, key education and professional boards refused to amend her certificates.
Dr. Beoncy approached the High Court after the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM), Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM), Manipur University, and Manipur Medical Council declined her requests. She argued that the inconsistency in documents deprived her of opportunities, including her attempt to appear for NEET-PG.
Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma, in his ruling, held that Sections 6 and 7 of the Transgender Act, 2019, and Rule 2(d) of the Transgender Rules, 2020, clearly mandate that transgender persons who undergo gender reassignment are entitled to updated name and gender entries in all official documents. He observed that denying such rights violates constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 15, 16, and 21, and stressed that special protections for marginalized groups must override bureaucratic technicalities.
The court directed BOSEM, COHSEM, Manipur University, and the Manipur Medical Council to issue revised certificates within one month. It further ordered the chief secretary of Manipur to issue instructions to all state establishments to incorporate the provisions of the Transgender Act into their rules and regulations so that future applicants would not have to move courts.
The court also noted that Dr. Beoncy’s identity should not be masked, as she was not a victim of crime but a citizen asserting her constitutional rights. “She, being a pioneer and a qualified doctor, will serve as an inspiration to other transgender persons to seek justice,” Justice Sharma remarked.
Transgender rights activists across the Northeast welcomed the ruling, calling it a watershed moment. “This is not just a victory for Dr. Beoncy but for the entire transgender community of the Northeast. For too long, our people have been forced to fight endless legal and bureaucratic battles to assert their identity. This judgment sends a clear message and awareness that our rights are not negotiable,” said Bonita Pebam, transgender rights activist based in Imphal.
This ruling sets a legal precedent for many trans individuals who face challenges in updating their name and gender in professional and educational certificates. Numerous trans individuals excel in various fields but struggle to secure jobs due to these obstacles. Dr. Beyonce’s experience is a living example to this, having faced neglect and disregard from responsible authorities and institutions during the process, said another transgender rights activist, Shanta Khurai.
