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Prithika Yashini (25), who is from Chennai, is all set to become first transgender Sub Inspector of Police in India soon. The Madras High court has cleared all hurdles in the way of her appointment in a landmark judgment. It was acknowledged by the court that Yashini- a transder is fit for the post and directed Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB) to appoint Prithika on the post. Prithika was born and brought up as Pradeep Kumar.

After hearing Yashini's petition, the court said, "We are, thus, of the view that she is entitled to be recruited to the post of sub-inspector and for declaration of her result with the hope that she would carry out the duties with dedication and commitment to advance the cause of other transgenders."

Anger was expressed by the first bench consisting of Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana over the failure of the Board in facilitating a third gender category in its application form, in spite of a direction from Supreme Court.

"There was absence of any column for third gender, though this aspect now stands enunciated by the judgement of the apex court "which carves out the category of third gender for the purpose of safeguarding and enforcing properly their rights guaranteed under the constitution", the Court said.

Pradeep Kumar who was born as a boy turned into Prithika after a sex change surgery. Prithika’s application was rejected by TNUSRB as she did not fall under any of the two categories. Prithika moved to Madras HC citing SC judgement ordering State and Central Governments to treat trans-gender as ‘socially and educationally backward citizens and extend them all possible help.’

Expressing satisfaction, Prithika was quoted as saying, "I'm excited. It's a new beginning for the entire transgender community."

-Sumana