Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Eunuchs & elections

Sir, — It was sad to read the report that the election of Kamla Jaan, an eunuch, three years ago as the Mayor of Katni Corporation, was set aside (Aug. 30) as it was a post reserved for women. Eunuchs are persons of doubtful sex, though dictionaries may classify them as males. There seems to be no specific rules or instructions under the election laws on how to treat eunuchs — either as males or females. Probably, taking advantage of this ambiguous position, the Election Officer in this case seems to have treated this candidate as a `female', accepted her nomination papers and allowed her to contest the polls, which she won and which has now been reversed by the judicial authorities. Eunuchs are sure to contest in future elections — be it for local bodies, State legislatures or Parliament. It is time the authorities issued suitable guidelines on how to treat the sex of `eunuchs'.

Radha N. Sriram,

Chennai

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