The Supreme Court has ordered that notices be issued to several former and current state officials in connection with a Fundamental Rights petition challenging government programmes and circulars that permit individuals to change their gender identity through medical procedures.
Accordingly, notices have been issued to former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Attorney General on behalf of incumbent President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and several other parties in connection with a petition.
The petition, filed by retired Air Force veteran Shanta Jayatilaka, has reportedly challenged government programmes and circulars that allow individuals to change their gender identity through medical procedures, claiming they are unlawful.
The case was heard before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasenaa dn Justices Shiran Gunaratne, and Achala Wengappuli. The case will be taken up again on July 20, with respondents ordered to file objections within a week.
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