Take steps on formulating SOP for arresting transgender person: High Court to Centre, Delhi Police
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre and Delhi Police to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the arrest and detention of transgender persons. This follows a public interest litigation highlighting the lack of specific guidelines to protect the fundamental rights and dignity of transgender individuals during police interactions.
Why it matters
Establishing clear legal protocols for police conduct is essential to preventing discrimination and ensuring the constitutional rights of marginalized communities are upheld.
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (September 2, 2026) asked the Centre and city Police to take appropriate steps for the formulation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on the arrest and detention of transgender persons.
A Bench of Chief Justice D. K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued notice to the Central Government, the police, as well as the Delhi government in a public interest litigation (PIL) by a law student and asked them to consider an advisory by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on the issue.
The plea by Taaran Chandna said that while the Delhi Police has a standing order for the arrest of women and senior citizens, it is “wholly silent” on transgender persons.
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