SIVAKUMAR T.D. Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We have heard Ms.B.Poongkhulali, learned counsel for the petitioner, Mr.A.Edwin Prabakar, learned State Government Pleader for respondents 1 and 2 and Ms.Adhilakshmi Logamurthy for the third respondent.

(2.) The petitioner seeks direction against the first respondent to effect publication of name and gender change to male, female or transgender in the official gazette without insisting on production of a medical certificate indicating the completion of Sex Reassignment Surgery or the third gender identity card issued by the second respondent, in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court in National Legal Services Authority -Vs- Union of India and Others [2014 (5) SCC 438].

(3.) It is the contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner that while effecting publication of the name and gender change, the medical certificate endorsing Sex Reassignment Surgery cannot be sought for. The same would be in compliance with Rule 6 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.