Supreme Court to examine plea for recognition of intersex persons as a distinct class
The Supreme Court of India has requested responses from the government regarding a petition to recognize intersex persons as a distinct legal class. The petitioner seeks a national medical protocol to prevent unnecessary surgical interventions on intersex infants.
Why it matters
This case could establish significant legal protections and human rights standards for intersex individuals in India.
The Supreme Court of India sought responses from the Centre and States on Friday (July 17, 2026) on a petition seeking a declaration that persons born with congenital variations in sex characteristics constitute a distinct and identifiable class.
A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued notice on the petition filed by advocate Shamshravish Rein to direct the Union government to frame separate statutory guidelines within six months to provide distinct recognition, protection and an affirmative support framework for intersex persons, that is, individuals born with congenital variations in sex characteristics (differences of sex development or DSD).
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