Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 13 March 2026

¨     The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 13 March 2026.

¨     After receiving presidential assent, it became the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 on 30 March 2026.

¨     The Act amends the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

¨     It changes the process for legal gender recognition and the issuance of identity certificates in India.

¨     The Bill was introduced by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar.

¨     It was passed by the Lok Sabha on 24 March 2026 and by the Rajya Sabha on 25 March 2026.

¨     Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Bill on 30 March 2026 under Article 111 of the Constitution of India.

¨     The 2026 Act removes the right to self-perceived gender identity for identity certification.

¨     It makes medical examination by a designated medical board and approval by the District Magistrate mandatory for the issuance of an identity certificate.

¨     The Act narrows the statutory definition of a transgender person.

¨     It excludes trans men, trans women, and genderqueer persons who were recognised under the 2019 Act.

¨     The Act introduces stricter penalties for offences such as kidnapping and causing grievous harm to force a person to adopt a transgender identity.

¨     Punishments may include life imprisonment and substantial fines.

¨     On 4 May 2026, the Supreme Court of India issued notices to the Union Government and all states on nine petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Act.