Maharashtra CM says woman constable can stay in police force after sex change surgery

Constable Lalita Salve had sought a month’s leave to undergo sex reassignment surgery, but it was refused after which she approached court

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered the director general of police, Satish Mathur, to allow woman constable Lalita Salve to continue in the police force even after a sex change surgery.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. (Praful Gangurde/HT File Photo)

Fadnavis told Hindustan Times that the DGP has been directed to consider the petition sympathetically. “There are some legal issues that need to be sorted out. The police department will consider the request by resolving these issues,” he said.

According to the officials in the home department, it is one-of-its-kind case and needs to be considered after looking at all aspects.

“There is no such provision in the service rule of government employees. Being a disciplined force with great importance to physical fitness, the permission could set a precedent. This will be applicable to other government employees too.

“The administration will have to consider legal, technical and administrative aspects before taking any decision on the petition,” said an official.

“Salve has moved court, and directive in this case will help us in take a decision. The changes in the existing rule may by prompted based on the court directives,” he said.