The Government of India has issued an advisory on August 28, 2024, following the Supreme Court’s judgment in the case of Supriyo @Supriya Chakraborty vs. Union of India, dated October 17, 2023. The advisory clarifies that there are no restrictions for individuals of the queer community regarding the opening of joint bank accounts or nominating a partner in a queer relationship as a beneficiary. This update aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) clarification to Scheduled Commercial Banks on August 21, 2024. The Supreme Court’s ruling supports equal treatment in banking practices, allowing queer individuals to manage and designate account beneficiaries without discrimination. All stakeholders are advised to follow these guidelines to ensure compliance and inclusivity in banking services.
F. No. 6/8/2024-Welfare
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Financial Services
*****
Jeevan Deep Building, Sansad Marg, New Delhi
the 28th August, 2024
Advisory
In connection with Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s judgement dated 17.10.2023 in the case of Supriyo @Supriya Chakraborty and another Vs. Union of India (Writ Petition Civil No. 1011/2022), this is to clarify that there are no restrictions for persons of the Queer community to open a joint bank account and also to nominate a person in queer relationship as a nominee to receive the balance in the account, in the event of death of the account holder. A clarification in this regard has also been issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to all the Scheduled Commercial Banks on 21.08.2024.
To
All Stakeholders
(Arun Kumar)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
