Imphal, August 19: In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Manipur has directed authorities to update the name and gender of transgender doctor Dr. Beoncy Laishram from male to female across all official documents, setting a precedent for the entire Northeast region.
Dr. Beoncy, 32, who underwent gender reassignment surgery in October 2019, had earlier been registered as Boboi Laishram in her matriculation, higher secondary, MBBS, and medical council certificates. Despite receiving a transgender certificate and identity card under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, several key education and professional bodies—including BOSEM, COHSEM, Manipur University, and the Manipur Medical Council—refused to amend her records, creating barriers to higher studies and professional opportunities.
Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma, while delivering the judgment, held that Sections 6 and 7 of the Transgender Act, 2019, and Rule 2(d) of the Transgender Rules, 2020, clearly entitle transgender persons who undergo reassignment to have their name and gender officially updated. He stressed that denial of such rights violates constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 15, 16, and 21, and directed the concerned boards and councils to issue revised certificates within one month.
The court also instructed the Chief Secretary of Manipur to ensure all state departments incorporate these provisions into their rules so that future applicants need not approach the courts. Recognizing Dr. Beoncy’s role as a pioneer, the court noted her identity should not be masked, adding that her fight will inspire other transgender individuals to seek justice.
The verdict has been hailed by rights activists as a watershed moment. “This is not just a victory for Dr. Beoncy but for the entire transgender community of the Northeast. It sends a clear message that our rights are non-negotiable,” said activist Bonita Pebam. Another activist, Shanta Khurai, said the judgment highlights the struggles trans persons face in accessing education and jobs due to document inconsistencies.
