Extension of Advisory Committee

**Executive Summary** This notification issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announces a six-month extension of the tenure for the Advisory Committee tasked with recommending an equal opportunity policy for transgender persons. In compliance with a Supreme Court order dated May 8, 2026, the committee’s term is now extended until October 16, 2026. This extension allows for the completion of an incisive study and the formulation of viable welfare measures as part of the *Jane Kaushik Vs. Union of India & Others* legal proceedings. **Key Points / Main Content** **Judicial and Administrative Context** * The extension is granted in pursuance of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order dated May 8, 2026, regarding Miscellaneous Application No. 1511 of 2026 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1405/2023. * The Central Government has formally implemented this judicial directive to ensure the Advisory Committee can fulfill its mandate. **Committee Mandate and Leadership** * The Advisory Committee is chaired by Hon’ble Ms. Justice Asha Menon, a former Judge of the Delhi High Court. * The committee’s primary objective is to conduct a detailed study and recommend a viable equal opportunity policy and other supportive measures for transgender persons. **Tenure and Deadlines** * The committee’s tenure is extended by a further period of six months. * The revised completion date for the committee’s work is October 16, 2026. * Terms and conditions set in previous notifications dated December 23, 2025, and March 27, 2026, remain unchanged. **Impact Analysis** **Advisory Committee (Chaired by Ms. Justice Asha Menon)** **Impact** The committee receives a significant time extension to finalize its research and policy recommendations without compromising the depth of its study. **Action Required** The committee must continue its incisive study and ensure all recommendations for the equal opportunity policy are completed by the October 16, 2026, deadline. **Transgender Persons** **Impact** The implementation of formal equal opportunity policies and protective measures is extended by six months, as the government awaits the final committee report. **Action Required** No immediate action is required from this group; however, the group is the intended beneficiary of the committee's future recommendations. **Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment** **Impact** The Ministry remains responsible for the administrative oversight of the committee and ensuring that the study aligns with the Supreme Court’s requirements. **Action Required** The Ministry must maintain the current terms and conditions of the committee’s operation while facilitating its work through the new deadline.

Key Entities Referenced