However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift in attitudes towards the hijra community, particularly with the advent of the Indian Supreme Court's recognition of hijras as a third gender. In 2014, the court recognized hijras as a protected category under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which provides legal protection and empowerment to the community. This was a groundbreaking decision that marked a significant milestone in the struggle for hijra rights and recognition in India.