A proposed amendment to India’s transgender law has led to protests across the country. Members of the queer community, rights organisations and Opposition MPs have raised objections to the Bill.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 13 March by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar. It seeks to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
The Bill has now been passed by both Houses of Parliament on March 25, 2026.
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What Is Changing
Self-identification is being removed
The 2019 law allowed a person to have a right to self-perceived gender identity. The amendment deletes this provision.
Medical certification is introduced
A person would be recognised as transgender only if a medical board recommends it and if the individual meets the criteria set in the law.
Definition is narrowed
The Bill defines transgender persons through socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta, and through biological characteristics such as chromosomes, hormones or genitalia.
Self-perceived identity is excluded
The Bill states that transgender persons shall not include individuals with self-perceived gender identities or different sexual orientations.
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Why Are People Protesting
Shift from self-identification to medical boards
The proposed requirement for medical boards to determine gender identity has triggered protests.
Concerns over dignity and privacy
At a public hearing, activist Grace Banu said, “Strangers probing our bodies, demanding proof of who we are, our privacy shattered, our dignity crushed.”
Concerns about surveillance and access
Other speakers said such provisions could create surveillance around identity and discourage individuals from seeking legal recognition.
Political opposition
Opposition leaders have criticised the Bill. Manoj Kumar Jha said it should be withdrawn, and Shashi Tharoor called it “deeply regressive”.
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What The Supreme Court Had Said Earlier
In the National Legal Services Authority [NALSA] vs Union of India case in 2014, the Supreme Court recognised transgender persons as a legal gender category.
The court said gender identity is based on self-identification and that no person should be required to undergo medical procedures for legal recognition.
It also said gender identity is part of dignity, autonomy and personal freedom.
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Where It Stands Now
The Bill has been passed by Parliament and will move to the next stage in the legislative process.
