Karnataka HC Directs Issuance Of Revised Birth, Death Certificates For Transgenders

The Karnataka High Court has instructed the Registrar of Births and Deaths to issue modified certificates for transgender individuals who have undergone gender reassignment. These certificates must reflect both the previous and revised names and genders of the individuals.

This directive will remain effective until necessary amendments are made to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, which currently does not allow for changes in gender on original birth or death certificates.

The court also urged the Karnataka Law Commission and the state government to review the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and propose amendments to the 1969 Act and its Rules to align with the intent of the 2019 Act.