The Karnataka High Court has acknowledged the Karnataka State Law University’s (KSLU) implementation of a 1% horizontal reservation for transgender students, as well as a reduction in the eligibility criteria to 40% marks for admission to its three-year LL.B courses. This update was presented to a Division Bench comprised of Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice TP Vivekananda.
Background of the Case
The matter originated from a petition by Mugil Anbu Vasantha, a transgender candidate, who challenged the admission policy of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bangalore, which is under the jurisdiction of KSLU. On December 16, 2024, the High Court partially supported the plea, identifying inadequacies in NLSIU’s admission and financial aid policies for transgender individuals. The Court mandated NLSIU to develop a comprehensive transgender reservation and financial aid policy before the next academic year’s admissions.
In the meantime, the Court issued an interim directive for NLSIU to allocate 0.5% reservation and offer fee waivers to transgender candidates. NLSIU later contested this order on appeal.
KSLU’s Submission and Court’s Response
On September 16, KSLU’s counsel presented an admission notification that confirmed the implementation of a 1% reservation for transgender students and the relaxation of the eligibility criterion to a minimum of 40% marks for the LL.B program. This adjustment followed a special government order dated September 15.
Mugil Anbu Vasantha, representing herself, expressed concern that the application deadline was imminent, potentially leaving insufficient time for eligible transgender applicants to apply under the new reservation policy.
The Additional Advocate General, representing KSLU, clarified that the reservation would be applied as a horizontal reservation in line with legal standards. The Court also noted that the government order stipulated that the reservation’s inclusion in the admission process was contingent upon further judicial orders and guidelines.
Current Proceedings and Future Actions
The Bench highlighted that the ongoing proceedings stemmed from NLSIU’s appeal, where a provisional direction was already in place to reserve a seat for Mugil Anbu Vasantha, whose application was acknowledged by KSLU.
The Court ruled that further relief sought by the respondent could not be awarded in this writ appeal and should be pursued through appropriate legal channels. The case is scheduled to continue on September 29.
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In a hearing on November 18, 2025, the High Court requested input from the Additional Advocate General and sought the State’s stance on policies related to transgender reservations. Subsequently, KSLU was included as a party in the proceedings.
During a session on July 20, 2026, the Additional Advocate General reported that the Women and Child Welfare Department had compiled data on transgender reservations in educational institutions. The State assured the Court of its intention to issue appropriate orders regarding educational reservations for transgender individuals, considering the existing 1% horizontal reservation in employment.
