Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday allowed a transgender couple to be recognised as ‘parents’ instead of ‘father’ and ‘mother’ in their child’s birth certificate.

Speaking to Mathrubhumi English, Ziya called the verdict a moment of immense relief.

“We are extremely happy with the verdict. All credit goes to our advocate Padma, who relentlessly pursued the case and stood with us until the judgment was delivered. We were a little tense when we learned the verdict would be pronounced today. Thankfully, it was in our favour.” Ziya added that they are now eagerly waiting to receive the modified birth certificate from the authorities.

Though elated, Ziya shared one regret: she couldn't be in court to witness the moment. “I wish I had been there when the judgment was delivered,” she said.

The couple had moved the court in 2023, seeking a change in their biological child’s birth certificate that would reflect their identities, not as ‘father’ and ‘mother’, but as equal ‘parents’. Zahad, a trans man, gave birth to the child, making the couple Kerala’s first transgender parents.

“We all dream of a family life... When Zahad and I met, we wanted to ensure we could live that dream and raise a child together. But I would say to anyone considering this path: make sure the child’s future is secure. Don’t take on this responsibility unless you're ready to give the child everything they need,” she added.

"This writ petition is disposed of directing the fifth respondent to issue a birth certificate with the modification by removing the columns of names of father and mother and by incorporating the names of the petitioners as parents without referring to their genders," the Court said in its order.

The transgender couple first came into the spotlight in 2023 when Zahad gave birth to their child. Following this, the birth certificate issued by the Kozhikode Corporation at the time identified Zahad (transgender) as the mother and Ziya (transgender) as the father.

Seeking to reflect their gender identities more accurately, the couple approached the Corporation with a request to amend the document, asking that both be listed simply as ‘parent’ instead of ‘mother’ and ‘father’.

However, the authorities rejected their plea, leading them to file a petition before the Kerala High Court.