Commending Punjab and Haryana for showing progressive values in considering eunuchs for government jobs the Punjab and Haryana High Court today condemned the Central government for sleeping over the issue. Despite several opportunities,the Central government has failed to clarify its stand as to whether it would like to consider eunuchs for government jobs or not. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal and Justice Ajay Tewari today praised Punjab and Haryana which have already taken a decision to consider eunuchs for government jobs by creating a special category under the head of transgenders for them. Expressing deep concern towards eunuchs,Chief Justice Mudgal remarked that it is a community which suffers social boycott. It is a derided community. The Chief Justice added that Constitution is meant for everybody and not only for beautiful people. Questioning the counsel appearing on behalf of Central government,Chief Justice said Would you like to have a cup of tea with them ? They (eunuchs) are socially bullied. Our Constitution is not meant only for good looking people,not just for Miss or Mr Indias. Our Constitution is meant for everybody. Granting a last opportunity to the Central Government to clarify its stand over the issue the Chief Justice asked the Centre to consider the pitiable plight of eunuchs. It might be recalled that the states of Haryana and Punjab had decided to create a separate category (other than male and female) in application forms offering public employment by the Punjab state. However,eventually the eunuchs who are selected for the said job will be considered in the category of men. It was first Punjab and then followed by the Haryana State which had considered eunuchs for government jobs. The development took place during the resumed hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an eunuch namely Kajal Mangal Mukhi,an advocate by profession and local resident. The eunuch had sought directions for the states to allow eunuchs to join government services. Kajal had taken the stand that despite being professionally and academically competent,eunuchs are not allowed to join government service. Reservation in government jobs for eunuchs was also sought. Court stays CAT order The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday stayed an order of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) which had granted professorship to Dr A K Gupta with effect from January 8,1996,affecting the seniority of senior-most professors who have put in long service at the PGI. The order was challenged by professors of PGI alleging that the Medical Superintendent Dr Gupta was not even eligible to be appointed as Additional Professor at that time as he had seven years teaching experience. A division bench today stayed the orders of the Tribunal till August 23.
