Supreme Court Seeks Response on Intersex Surgery PIL

The Supreme Court on Monday acknowledged a PIL aiming to limit sex-assignment surgeries on 'intersex' children before they reach adulthood. The court requested responses from the Centre and others, including the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).

The term 'intersex' refers to individuals born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't fit traditional male or female categories. The PIL also urged the creation of a central law to recognize the rights of these children and individuals. The Supreme Court asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to provide assistance during the hearing.

According to the PIL, medical procedures for such surgeries are considered punishable offenses in other countries. The PIL has named various Union Ministries, including Home Affairs, Social Justice and Empowerment, Health and Family Welfare, Law and Justice, and Women and Child Development, as respondents.

The plea claimed that these children face discrimination from birth due to the absence of options to register their birth and death details on online government registration platforms.