Kerala High Court orders gender-neutral 'parents' on birth certificate: a first in India

In a historic decision, the Kerala High Court has ordered the removal of gender-specific terms 'father' and 'mother' from birth certificates, allowing the first transgender parents in India to be recognized simply as 'parents.'

The ruling came after a petition by Zahhad and Ziya Paval, a transgender couple from Kozhikode. Zahhad, who identifies as a trans man, gave birth to their child in February 2023.

Justice A A Ziyad Rahman directed the Kozhikode corporation authorities to amend the birth certificate within two months, replacing gendered parental titles with the gender-neutral term "parents".

This landmark order marks a significant step toward inclusivity and recognition of transgender rights in India, challenging traditional norms around parenthood and gender identity.

"The columns for father and mother shall be removed and replaced with 'parents' without referring to their respective gender," the court stated.

The ruling not only affirms the rights of transgender individuals to parenthood but also sets a precedent for other states to follow in ensuring legal documents reflect gender diversity.

This progressive move is expected to influence future policies and promote equality for transgender families across India.

The Kerala High Court has issued a landmark ruling allowing the first transgender parents in India to be listed as 'parents' on their child's birth certificate, replacing traditional 'father' and 'mother' labels. The order mandates Kozhikode authorities to update the certificate within two months.