Allahabad High Court Upholds Transgender Rights for Educational Document Amendments

Landmark Judgment Mandates Amendment of Educational Certificates for Transgender Individuals

In a significant judgment dated November 6, 2025, the Allahabad High Court has reinforced the rights of transgender individuals, directing the amendment of educational documents to reflect changes in gender and name. The case, Sharad Roshan Singh v. State of U.P., revolved around the petitioner's application for the rectification of their name and gender in educational certificates, pursuant to the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.

Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery, presiding over the matter, set aside the impugned order passed by the Regional Secretary, Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, Bareilly, which had previously rejected the petitioner's application on grounds of procedural inadequacy for amendments at a belated stage. The court emphasized that the Act and the accompanying Rules provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the rights of transgender individuals to amend their official documents, including educational certificates, thereby promoting equality and non-discrimination.

The judgment highlighted the legal error made by the respondents in not applying the provisions of the Act, noting that Section 20 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 ensures that its provisions are in addition to, and not in derogation of, other existing laws. The court reiterated the importance of strict implementation of the Act to prevent discrimination against transgender individuals.

The court's decision was supported by precedents from various high courts and the Supreme Court, including cases such as Jane Kaushik v. Union of India, which underscored the significance of faithfully realizing constitutional guarantees of equality and dignity in the lived experiences of individuals. The judgment stated that failure to implement the Act and Rules constitutes a violation of constitutional rights, calling for tangible and transformative realities for transgender individuals.

In accordance with the judgment, the respondents are directed to amend the educational documents and issue new certificates to the petitioner within eight weeks. This ruling is expected to pave the way for similar actions across various jurisdictions, promoting the rights and dignity of transgender individuals.

Bottom Line:

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 provides a legal framework for ensuring the rights of transgender individuals, including their right to change gender, name, and photographs in all official documents, including educational certificates.

Statutory provision(s): Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 Sections 6, 7, and 20; Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 Rule 5(3) and Annexure-1

Sharad Roshan Singh v. State of U.P., (Allahabad) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2804855