Allow cop seeking sex change to remain in force after surgery: CM

MUMBAI: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the director general of police, Satish Mathur, to allow woman constable Lalita Salve to work with the force even after a sex change surgery.

Fadnavis told Hindustan Times the DGP has been directed to consider the petition sympathetically. “There are some legal issues which 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 oneof-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.

Lalita, who joined the police force seven years ago and is serving as constable in Beed district, applied for permission for the surgery and to continue in the force after the operation.

According to the sources in the home department, the permission will be given as one off case. “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.