The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026 was debated in Lok Sabha during the week of March 17–21, 2026, triggering sharp opposition from the INDIA bloc. The bill proposes significant changes to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, most notably the removal of the self-identification provision that allowed transgender individuals to self-certify their gender identity without surgical or medical requirements.
Under the 2019 Act, a transgender person could obtain a certificate of identity from a District Magistrate based on self-declaration. The 2026 Amendment proposes replacing self-identification with a mandatory medical and psychological evaluation, drawing criticism from LGBTQIA+ rights activists, legal experts, and opposition MPs who argue it violates the Supreme Court's landmark NALSA v. Union of India (2014) judgment, which affirmed the right to self-identify gender.
The INDIA bloc, led by Congress, TMC, and DMK MPs, demanded the bill be referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee for wider consultation. They argued the bill was regressive and rolled back hard-won rights of one of India's most marginalised communities. The government defended the amendments as necessary to prevent misuse of gender-identity certificates and ensure administrative clarity.
From an exam perspective, the Transgender Persons Act 2019 was the first comprehensive legislation protecting transgender rights in India. It established the National Council for Transgender Persons, prohibited discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare, and mandated welfare measures. The 2026 amendments mark a significant policy shift. The bill's passage or referral to a standing committee remained pending as of March 21.