New Delhi: In a landmark decision, the Union Finance Ministry has approved an appeal from a senior Hyderabad-based Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer to change their name and gender, marking a historic first in the Indian civil service. M Anusuya, currently serving as Joint Commissioner in the office of the Chief Commissioner, Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal in Hyderabad, sought to change their name to M Anukathir Surya and requested a gender change from female to male. The ministrys order, issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Department of Revenue, acknowledged and granted the officers request.Ms Anusuya to Mr M Anukathir SuryaThe request of M Anusuya has been considered. Henceforth, the officer will be recognised as Mr M Anukathir Surya in all official records, stated the order.Career backgroundAnusuya started career as an assistant commissioner in Chennai in 2013, Mr Anukathir Surya was subsequently promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner in 2018, as indicated on their LinkedIn profile.Early education of M AnusuyaAnukathir Surya pursued a Bachelors degree in Electronics and Communication from the Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai, followed by a PG Diploma in Cyber Law and Cyber Forensics from the National Law Institute University.Gender identity is matter of personal choiceThis development follows nearly a decade after the Supreme Courts pivotal ruling in the NALSA case, where the court recognized the third gender and affirmed that gender identity is a matter of personal choice. The court emphasized the need for constitutional interpretations that ensure dignity and rights for transgender individuals.If a person has changed his/her sex in tune with his/her gender characteristics and perception, which has become possible because of the advancement in medical science, and when that is permitted in medical ethics with no legal embargo, we do not find any impediment, legal or otherwise, in giving due recognition to the gender identity based on the reassigned sex after undergoing surgery, the courts judgement affirmed.
