Shabnam Mausi's Code Violation

India’s pioneering transgender politician, Shabnam Mausi, who secured a historic win in 2000 as the country’s first transgender MLA, is now embroiled in a legal issue. The incident revolves around a violation of the model code of conduct in Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh.

In February 2000, Shabnam Mausi achieved a groundbreaking milestone by clinching victory in the Assembly election, marking a pivotal moment for the transgender community in Indian politics. Fast forward to the present, Mausi faces legal repercussions for allegedly failing to comply with the model code of conduct.

The charge against Mausi is specifically related to her purported failure to deposit a pistol with the police, as mandated by the authorities. An official from the Kotwali police station, Amar Verma, revealed that Mausi had received a notice to surrender the firearm but did not comply. Consequently, she has been booked under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code for disobeying an order from a public servant.

Mausi did surrender a 12-bore gun, but her omission regarding the pistol led to the cancellation of her pistol license by the administration. This action was part of the enforcement of the model code of conduct, in effect since October 9 for the November 17 Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh.

The model code of conduct mandates the depositing of firearms as ordered by the police during election periods. With the poll results scheduled for declaration on December 3, the adherence to these regulations is crucial.

Shabnam Mausi’s political journey began with a resounding victory in a bypoll from the Sohagpur seat in Shahdo district in 2000, succeeding the late Congress legislator Krishnapal Singh. However, her subsequent political endeavors in the 2003 Assembly polls saw a significant decline in support, with Mausi securing only 1,400 votes and facing defeat.

It’s a twist of fate for the trailblazing politician, whose legacy is now intertwined with a legal battle over the alleged violation of the model code of conduct, emphasizing the challenges faced by marginalized communities even after achieving historic milestones in the political arena.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times