LUDHIANA: When Mohini, a transgender, sat among the members of legal fraternity to settle disputes during a Lok Adalat in Ludhiana, she became the first
transgender in the state to do so.
For Mohini, it was a dream come true. “It was an out-of-the-world experience for me, becoming the
first transgender in Punjab to achieve this feat. It proves that with education, one can achieve anything,” said Mohini, who is a PhD scholar doing research in public administration.
Mohini along with other judicial officers and lawyers handled 25 cases during a six-hour session beginning at 9.30am. The cases ranged from disputes over gold loans, bank issues and even divorce cases.
“I was present there from 9.30am to 4pm. Judge Tejinder Singh and advocate Rama were present with me. I also met chief judicial magistrate Gurpreet Kaur. It was an enriching and fulfilling experience,” said the 53-year-old social worker, who has been actively working for the welfare of her community for the past several years.
Sharing her experience with judicial officers and others, Mohini said it was a lifetime experience. “I had clapped all my life and never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would ever get such an opportunity. It’s so touching,” said a visibly moved Mohini.
Chief judicial magistrate Gurpreet Kaur said it was for the first time in Punjab, a transgender was made a part of Lok Adalats. “The bench comprised one social worker, one judge and an advocate. We took Mohini because of her exemplary social work and her qualifications. She got an opportunity to hear cases, learn about the proceedings, and it was an implementation of the Right to Equality in the truest sense. It has been a laudable step by the judiciary,” she said.
