This limited reading of the law, however, is certain to get politicised — both by those who hold biological sex as the immutable gender of a person and those who advocate a more inclusive understanding — not just in the UK, but around the world. There is a global pushback against transgender inclusion, evident in not just the roll-back of key protections for such persons in the US but also actively hostile laws enacted by other jurisdictions. As opposing groups weaponise the UK verdict for their agenda, the need is for a more nuanced understanding that allows for both sides to make concessions. With hard-won victories against discrimination, trans-rights and biological women with trans-exclusionary positions on women’s rights will have to work towards appreciating each other’s concerns.

It is true that jurisprudence in India is not impervious to judicial understanding elsewhere, especially in the UK. That said, India, to an extent, is insulated from this debate, having created a gender category that allows the assertion of trans identity and upholds the community’s rights.