TRANSGENDER CERTIFICATES NOW ACCEPTED FOR PAN CARDS, SUPREME COURT CONFIRMS LANDMARK STEP

Background:

This issue is about ensuring that the transgender population in India receives proper identification especially where the PAN card is concerned as this is very vital when it comes to the issue of taxes and anything else to do with finance. The whole affair began with Reshma Prasad, a Bihar-based activist of the Transgender community, who was unable to link her PAN card with Aadhaar; the reason: PAN card did not recognise the ‘third gender’. Aadhaar had already incorporated this option after a Supreme Court judgement but the PAN system was still lagging and this caused troubles for individuals such as Reshma.

Due to this, in 2018, Reshma has filed a plea to all the Supreme Courts to rectify this issue. She demanded a third gender icon on PAN cards mainly for the identity of the transgenders. This plea led to a big decision where the Centre (which can be taken to mean government) agreed to accept a ‘certificate of identity’ that a trans person could get under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 for procuring a PAN card.

Key Aspects: The Law Involved: Here the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 particularly Sections 6 and 7 is very much relevant. It discusses the subject of how transgenders can obtain documents official identities and alter their gender in documents, this something they have wanted for along time. Supreme Court’s Role:

It was involved since Reshma Prasad had approached the Supreme Court with a plea in year 2018. Mainly she wanted the government to allow a third gender identification in the PAN cards similar to Aadhaar cards. And this case highlighted how almost impossible it was for those who are trans to obtain the correct documentation without this maneuver. Government’s Response: The government through the Centre in the Apex Court laid down the proposal to accept the certificate of identity under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 for having PAN cards. This is a great achievement for the gay and lesbian people’s right in India. Possible Changes in Rules:

The Supreme Court also said that the government could modify the official procedures by which a PAN card is obtained to reflect this decision. As you are already aware that many Transgender people are facing problems when applying for PAN card and this would make things easy and clearly.

Why This Matters: This is a good development to the community of transgender in India since they will be allowed to join the armed force. It means that they are able to obtain the documents they want without bearing many hassles. Thanks to this linkage, they will be in a position to avail a number of services and grants that are available with better identification through linking of PAN card with Aadhaar.

Conclusion:

This decision is a big win for transgender rights in India, making it easier for them to get the proper identification they need. It’s a positive step towards greater inclusivity and fairness in the system.

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WRITTEN MY :Abhishek aiyappa