GS2 · Polity18 Jul 2026 · The Hindu — Science & Tech
Court to review bid to classify intersex individuals as separate group
Petitioner seeks nationwide ban on medically unnecessary genital surgeries on intersex children; calls for provision of identity documents and job reservation
Quick Revision
Prelims-testable facts
- 01The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a petition seeking recognition of intersex persons as a distinct class.
- 02The petitioner is seeking a nationwide ban on medically unnecessary genital surgeries on intersex children.
- 03Intersex individuals are born with congenital variations in sex characteristics, commonly referred to as Differences of Sex Development (DSD).
- 04The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Union government on a public interest litigation seeking separate legal recognition and constitutional safeguards for intersex persons.
- 05The petitioner is also seeking provision of identity documents and job reservation for intersex individuals.
- 06Intersex rights in India are being examined by the Supreme Court, which has referred a PIL to a three-judge bench.
Trap alerts
- Most people think that intersex persons are a small minority, but actually they are estimated to be around 1.7% of the global population.
- Most people think that medically unnecessary genital surgeries on intersex children are common in India, but actually there is no data to support this claim.
Mains Practice Question
Critically examine the implications of recognizing intersex persons as a distinct class, particularly with regards to their rights and entitlements.
250 words
Practice this in the exam hall →Prelims Practice MCQs
Single facteasy
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a plea for recognition of which group?
- A.Transgender persons
- B.Intersex persons
- C.LGBTQ+ individuals
- D.People with disabilities
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a plea for recognition of intersex persons as a distinct class, marking an important step towards their rights and entitlements.
Single factmedium
What is the specific provision that the petitioner calls for?
- A.Provision of identity documents for intersex persons
- B.Job reservation for transgenders in government jobs
- C.Nationwide ban on medically unnecessary genital surgeries on intersex children and provision of identity documents
- D.Special quotas in government jobs for people with disabilities
The petitioner calls for a nationwide ban on medically unnecessary genital surgeries on intersex children, as well as the provision of identity documents.
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