The Supreme Court of India has ruled that transgender persons have the right to self-identify their gender, in a landmark judgment. Background: The case began when a group of transgender persons filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the government's policy of requiring transgender persons to undergo sex reassignment surgery to change their gender identity. Parties: The petitioners, including a group of transgender persons, argued that the policy was discriminatory and violated their right to self-identify their gender. The respondents, including the government, argued that the policy was necessary to maintain public order and morality. Legal issues: The court considered the issue of whether the policy was discriminatory and whether transgender persons had the right to self-identify their gender. Court observations: The court observed that the policy was discriminatory and that transgender persons had the right to self-identify their gender. Significance: The judgment is significant, as it upholds the rights of transgender persons and sets a precedent for future cases involving gender identity and expression. The court's decision will have implications for the government's policies and the protection of the rights of transgender persons.