http://barandbench.com/content/212/transgenders-third-gender#.U0zqLtwRZg1
Acknowledging that the Constitution of India guarantees fundamental rights to its citizens and that these rights apply irrespective of gender identity, the Supreme Court of India held that Trans* individuals be recognized as a third gender in all areas where Gender identity matters.
In a judgment that could have widespread positive consequences for the marginalized Trans* community, the Supreme Court determined that the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution do indeed protect Gender minorities. Therefore, all government and non-governmental organizations will have to extend protections equivalent to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes for the third gender people.
Government officials in Chandigarh have welcomed the judgment and have said that this will give their efforts at inclusivity clear guidelines and speed up their initiatives to bring the trans* community into the mainstream.
Color Me Gay! 