New Delhi: In a significant step towards safeguarding the rights and dignity of transgender and gender-diverse individuals, Hyderabad Central Prison has established a dedicated Gender-Neutral Cell following the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India.
The development comes after an inspection visit by the NHRC’s Special Monitor for transgender and LGBTQ+ rights on October 8, 2026. During the visit, prison authorities were urged to implement advisories issued by the NHRC and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to ensure the welfare and protection of transgender persons within correctional institutions.
According to a compliance report submitted to the Commission, the Superintendent of Hyderabad Central Prison informed the NHRC that its recommendations had been acted upon and a separate Gender-Neutral Cell had been created for persons with diverse gender identities and expressions. The facility is aimed at providing safe, dignified and appropriate living arrangements for inmates who may face challenges within conventional prison housing systems.
In another progressive measure, prison authorities have also permitted inmates housed in the Gender-Neutral Cell to wear affirmative clothing that aligns with their gender identity and expression. The move is expected to foster greater inclusivity and respect for the rights of gender-diverse individuals in custody.
The NHRC said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to promoting equality, human dignity and human rights protections for transgender and LGBTQ+ persons. The Commission has been advocating for the implementation of gender-sensitive policies in prisons and other custodial institutions across the country.
The establishment of the Gender-Neutral Cell is being viewed as a landmark step towards creating a more inclusive correctional system and ensuring that vulnerable communities are treated with dignity, respect and fairness while in custody.
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