NALSA v. Union of India
Recognised transgender persons as a third gender with full fundamental rights and directed affirmative action.
The background
Transgender persons in India faced deep discrimination and had no legal recognition of their gender identity. The National Legal Services Authority approached the Supreme Court seeking recognition and protection of their rights.
The decision
The Court recognised transgender persons as a 'third gender' and upheld the right of every person to self-identify their gender as part of the fundamental rights to equality, non-discrimination, dignity, and personal liberty. It directed governments to treat them as a socially and educationally backward class and to provide reservations and welfare measures.
What it changed
This was the first authoritative legal recognition of transgender identity in India. It expanded the meaning of equality and dignity under the Constitution and laid the groundwork for later transgender-rights legislation and welfare schemes.