Parliament Passes Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026

Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving it on March 25, a day after it was cleared by the Lok Sabha on March 24.

The Bill seeks to amend the existing Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, introducing significant changes to the definition and certification process of transgender persons. 

  Key Highlights of the Amendment

 Changes in Definition: The 2019 Act included:

• Socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani, jogta
• Individuals with biological variations in sexual characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, genitalia, etc.)
• Trans-men, trans-women, and genderqueer persons
• Amendment Update:
  • Removes:
    • Trans-men and trans-women (irrespective of medical procedures)
    • Genderqueer persons
  • Retains:
    • Socio-cultural identities
    • Persons with biological variations

2. Certification Process Tightened

• Earlier:
  • Self-identification allowed
  • Certificate issued by District Magistrate based on application
• Now:
  • Certificate will be issued only after recommendation of a medical board
  • Medical board to be headed by:
    • Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or
    • Deputy CMO

 Government’s Stand: Union Minister Virendra Kumar stated that the amendment aims to:

• Ensure protection for those facing discrimination due to biological factors
• Continue legal recognition and safeguards for transgender persons
• Promote inclusion while maintaining a structured identification process

 Significance

• Marks a shift from self-identification to medical verification
• Narrows the legal definition of transgender persons

Likely to trigger debates on rights, inclusion, and autonomy