TN makes police harassment of LGBTQIA+ persons punishable

In a progressive move, the Tamil Nadu government amended the Tamil Nadu Subordinate Police Officers’ Conduct Rules, 1964 to make harassment of LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Plus other communities) by the state police, punishable under law. The amendment was passed yesterday.

A new rule, 24C, has been added to the Tamil Nadu Subordinate Police Officers’ Conduct Rules, 1964, through the amendment. The new rule states that police officers must not harass LGBTQIA+ persons and those working for the community’s wellbeing. The amendment has come following a court intervention after an eloped transgender couple was being harassed by the police a few months back. The court order has said that no police officer shall indulge in any act of harassment of any person belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community and the persons working for the welfare of that community read.

The police officers will have the right to make enquiries in cases related to the LGBTQIA+ community members, under procedures established by law. The Madras High Court had issued guidelines for creating safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ community, yet there have been several complaints of harassment of the community members by the police. In September 2021, the High Court directed the government to include a specific clause in the police conduct rules to make harassment of persons belonging to the queer community and NGO/activists helping them, punishable by law.