The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 has introduced major changes to India’s transgender rights framework, including stricter identity certification procedures and revised legal definitions, triggering constitutional challenges in the Supreme Court.

BulletsIn

• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 13, 2026 and became law after presidential assent on March 30, 2026.
• The amendment modifies the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and changes the legal process for gender identity recognition in India.
• The new law removes the provision of self-perceived gender identity for obtaining transgender identity certificates.
• Under the amended Act, identity certification now requires medical scrutiny by a designated medical board along with approval from the District Magistrate.
• The Act narrows the legal definition of transgender persons and excludes trans-men, trans-women and genderqueer individuals previously recognised under the 2019 law.
• The amendment introduces stricter punishments for offences such as kidnapping or causing grievous harm to force transgender identity, including penalties up to life imprisonment.
• President Droupadi Murmu granted assent to the legislation under Article 111 of the Constitution of India.
• The Supreme Court of India issued notices on May 4, 2026 on multiple petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the amended law.