Overview
- Over 44 student organisations from more than 25 law schools issued a joint statement condemning the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, and urging its withdrawal.
- The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha by Social Justice Minister Virendra Kumar, narrows recognition to specified socio-cultural and biological categories and excludes self-perceived gender identities.
- It mandates examinations by district medical boards for recognition and requires hospitals to share details of gender-affirming surgeries with district authorities.
- Transgender persons and allies rallied in Hyderabad and Pune, arguing the proposal rolls back protections affirmed in the 2014 NALSA judgment and the 2019 Act.
- TMC MP Derek O’Brien called the Bill draconian and criticised the manner of its introduction, alleging inadequate committee scrutiny in Parliament.