Chennai: The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to take a decision on providing reservation for transgender and intersex persons, so they are not compelled to approach the courts each time to seek quota in public employment and educational institutions.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh issued the directive while passing interim orders on Monday on a petition filed by N Sushma and U Semma Agarval. The case was posted for further hearing on September 15.

The judge recorded his appreciation of the state government for unveiling the Tamil Nadu State Policy for Transgender Persons 2025, which came into effect on July 31, 2025.

Quoting the suggestions in the policy, the judge pointed out that Clause 3.7, titled Right to Representation in Employment and Educational Institution, requires immediate attention. He noted that it remains unclear whether the government intends to provide horizontal reservation to transgender and intersex persons — a long-standing demand of the community, echoed in multiple court judgments, including those of the Madras High Court.

Accordingly, the judge directed the state government to make a clear decision on the matter.

The judge also noted that the Additional Public Prosecutor submitted the policy for LGBQA+ persons was still under process and needed more time for finalisation.

“Now that the state government has come out with a policy for transgender and intersex persons, it is time that the government comes up with a policy for LGBQA+ persons also. This process should be expedited,” the judge added.