Headline
The transgender identity certificate is acknowledged as valid for PAN Card ruled by the Supreme Court of India.
Summary
The Supreme Court of India approved that a “certificate of identity” issued under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, will be taken as valid documentation for obtaining a PAN card. This decision of the Supreme Court aligns PAN card regulations with the Aadhaar system, which already acknowledges a 3rd gender option.
Key Facts
- Case Name: Reshma Prasad v. Union of India
- Name of Judges: Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah
- The ruling of the Supreme Court came in reply to a plea by transgender activist Reshma Prasad, who sought the inclusion of a 3rd gender option on PAN cards.
Legal Insights
The Supreme Court recognised that the Union government supports acknowledging the transgender identity certificate under Sections 6 and 7 of the Transgender Persons Act issued by district magistrates,making sure it is valid for PAN card applications.
Impact
This decision of the Supreme Court makes sure that transgender can now obtain PAN cards using their identity certificates, promoting their rights and social inclusion.
Why it Matters
It is a remarkable move towards equality, by making sure that the rights of transgender individuals are acknowledged in essential identification processes like PAN card issuance.
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