DEIB India Updates - July '25 Edition

Discover key legal insights and societal inclusion steps in DEI India Updates July 2025 Edition.

1. Tamil Nadu Releases Policy for Transgender

   
   

   The Tamil Nadu Government launched a State Policy in favour of transgender persons that would mandate that they be treated as the most socially and educationally disadvantaged and would be given preference in housing schemes. Steps would be taken to amend the Juvenile Justice Act and other relevant acts to address concerns of gender non-conforming persons, said the policy. The State will operate a round-the-clock helpline for gender-related queries. The Chief Minister also vows to amend the Hindu succession act and the Indian Succession Act to ensure that transgender persons have equal right of inheritance.

   
   

2. Daughters Have Equal Inheritance Rights - Kerala High Court

   
   

   In the case of NP Rajani & Ors. v. Radha Nambidi Parambath & Anr., the Kerala HC ruled that daughters of Hindu fathers who died after December 20, 2004, are entitled to an equal share in ancestral property. It struck down parts of the Kerala Joint Hindu Family System (Abolition) Act, 1975 as inconsistent with the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005. Justice Easwaran cited the Skanda Purana, "One daughter is equal to ten sons", reinforcing the principle of gender-equal inheritance in Indian law.

   
   

3. State's First Gender Change Application Filed By Uttarakhand Government Employee

   
   

   A Government employee in Uttarakhand has become the first in the state to officially request a gender change, from female to male, in public records. Accompanied by medical documentation, the application has prompted state officials to examine administrative processes for updating service records, ID proofs, and employment benefits. The case marks a milestone for transgender rights in public employment and raises important questions about systemic readiness to support gender transitions.

   
   

4. Equal Succession Rights of Tribal Women - Supreme Court

   
   

   The Supreme Court in Ram Charan and Ors. v. Sukhram and Ors. has ruled that excluding female heirs from inheritance is discriminatory and granted tribal women equal succession rights as men. The ruling, overturned by Justices Sanjay Karol and Joymalya Bagchi, emphasised that the Hindu Succession Act does not automatically exclude tribal women from inheritance. The Court argued that denying property rights based solely on gender violates Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution and that customs cannot be used to deprive others of their rights.

   
   

5. Allow same-sex partner to give consent during medical emergencies - Plea before Delhi High Court

   
   

   The Delhi High Court has issued notice on a plea for same-sex partners to be recognised as medical representatives with the authority to give consent during medical emergencies. The Petitioner argues that this systemic exclusion violates Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution, as it discriminates based on sexual orientation and denies same-sex couples the fundamental right to make critical medical decisions. The plea suggests declaring a medical power of attorney as legally binding, providing a clear mechanism for same-sex couples to respect their wishes during medical crises.