In a significant ruling on Tuesday, the Manipur High Court permitted Dr. Beoncy Laishram, a transwoman and the first transgender doctor in the northeastern region, to change her name and gender on her academic records. The court instructed the relevant authorities to update her educational certificates to reflect her new name, “Beoncy Laishram,” and her gender as “female,” within one month. Dr. Beoncy, who previously went by the birth name Boboi Laishram and was listed as male, approached the court after her request to amend her name and gender on official documents was rejected by the authorities in February 2024.
Dr. Beoncy underwent gender reassignment surgery in October 2019 and sought a transgender certificate from the district magistrate of Imphal West. This application was successful, resulting in the issuance of both the certificate and a transgender identity card. Subsequent documents, including her Aadhaar, Voter ID, and PAN card, were also updated to reflect her new identity. Despite these changes, Dr. Beoncy’s appeals to the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM), the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM), Manipur University (MU), and Manipur Medical Council to revise her academic records were not approved.
Jayna Kothari, Dr. Beoncy’s senior counsel, invoked Sections 5, 6, and 7 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. These provisions empower transgender individuals to apply for identity documents and require that such changes be recognized in official records. After considering arguments from both sides, the court mandated BOSEM, COHSEM, MU, and the Manipur Medical Council to issue revised certificates under Dr. Beoncy’s new identity.
The court also directed that the provisions of Sections 6 and 7 be integrated into all existing laws and regulations in Manipur. The chief secretary was tasked with ensuring these directives are communicated to all establishments. Until formal integration is completed, the court ruled that these provisions will be read into all existing frameworks.
In a statement to the media, Dr. Beoncy expressed her happiness about the judgment, calling it a relief. She mentioned her aspirations to pursue postgraduate studies and specialize in surgery or gynecology. She had previously been concerned about being placed in a male hostel due to her academic records indicating her as male, despite her completed reassignment surgery. Dr. Beoncy expressed hopes that the ruling would enhance awareness of transgender rights, highlighting the pervasive marginalization and challenges faced by the community.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/its-justice-for-dr-beoncy-transwoman-doc-wins-court-battle-for-identity-recognition/articleshow/123393181.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-08-20 05:45:00
