Kerala Becomes First State to Reserve Law College Seats for Transgender Students

In a historic decision promoting educational equality, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has given interim approval to the Kerala government’s proposal to reserve two supernumerary seats for transgender students in all law colleges across the state. This progressive step aims to ensure equal access to legal education and strengthen inclusivity in professional institutions.

Kerala Becomes First State to Reserve Law College Seats for Transgender Students

High Court’s Role and Government Proposal

The approval came after a directive from the Kerala High Court on October 24, 2025, instructing the BCI to review the state’s proposal.

The Kerala government had submitted this proposal on August 6, 2025, requesting reserved seats in both three-year and five-year LLB programmes.
Justice V.G. Arun, while reviewing the case, appreciated the BCI’s prompt action and described the progress as “heartening” and aligned with the court’s previous order.

Background of the Petition

The case began with a petition filed by a transgender woman who had successfully cleared the Kerala Law Entrance Examination (KLEE) 2025 and was eligible for admission to the Government Law College, Kozhikode.
However, she was denied admission due to the absence of reserved seats for transgender candidates.
Her petition argued that the denial violated:

Her fundamental rights under the Constitution,
The NALSA judgment (2014) by the Supreme Court, and
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

Legal and Policy Significance

The BCI’s approval represents a significant milestone in promoting gender justice and social equality in higher education.

It ensures that transgender students will now have fair representation in Kerala’s legal education system.
The Kerala High Court noted that the creation of these seats would remove discrimination and encourage inclusivity in professional courses.
The petitioner’s counsel also informed the court that all law colleges and universities in Kerala will be included in the implementation process for statewide uniformity.

Next Steps and Broader Impact

The High Court has scheduled the next hearing on November 7, 2025, to issue final directions for full execution.
This step is expected to set a precedent for other Indian states to implement similar policies in their educational systems.
Justice Arun expressed optimism, stating that the move “should help others as well,” reinforcing the judiciary’s active role in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Exam-Oriented Notes

Bar Council of India (BCI) approved Kerala’s proposal to create two supernumerary seats for transgender students.
The move follows a Kerala High Court directive dated October 24, 2025.
The petition was filed by a transgender candidate who cleared KLEE 2025 but was denied admission.
The decision aligns with the NALSA judgment (2014) and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
The next hearing is scheduled for November 7, 2025.

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Question & Answer

Q1. Which state became the first to reserve law college seats for transgender students?
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Kerala
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Karnataka
Answer: Kerala

Q2. How many supernumerary seats have been reserved for transgender students in each law college in Kerala?
(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) Four
Answer: Two

Q3. Which authority approved Kerala’s proposal for transgender student reservation in law colleges?
(a) UGC
(b) NLU Consortium
(c) Bar Council of India (BCI)
(d) Ministry of Education
Answer: Bar Council of India (BCI)

Q4. The petitioner in this case was denied admission despite qualifying in which exam?
(a) CLAT
(b) AILET
(c) KLEE 2025
(d) LSAT India
Answer: KLEE 2025

Q5. The BCI’s approval aligns with which Supreme Court judgment?
(a) Vishaka Guidelines (1997)
(b) NALSA Judgment (2014)
(c) Puttaswamy Case (2017)
(d) Joseph Shine Case (2018)
Answer: NALSA Judgment (2014)

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