Supreme Court Seeks Expert View on Blood Donation Ban for LGBTQIA+ & Sex Workers

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to seek expert opinion on removing the discriminatory aspects of the 2017 blood donor guidelines, which bar trans persons, gay men, and sex workers from donating blood.

The bench noted that blanket categorization of these communities as “high-risk” enhances stigma and lacks a medical basis. 

Petitioners argued that Clauses 12 and 51 violate Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution. The Centre defended the ban, citing public health and blood safety concerns.

The Court emphasized balancing safety with non-discrimination and called for evidence-based reforms without compromising medical safeguards.