New Delhi, India - Trans rights activists have condemned the proposed Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it a step backward for the community.
The bill, introduced by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar, has been met with criticism from members of the community who argue it departs from principles laid down by the Supreme Court in the landmark National Legal Services Authority vs Union of India.
Transgender rights activist Akkai Padmashali called the bill 'stupid', 'regressive', and 'anti-transgender', warning that it could further marginalise the community and create conditions that stigmatise transgender persons.
Padmashali also objected to the narrow recognition of identities in the proposed framework, saying it fails to acknowledge the diversity of gender identities that exist today.
Activist Meera Parida said the proposed amendments could infringe upon constitutional rights and create practical challenges for transgender persons, including the right to privacy and bodily autonomy.
Lawyer Raghavi S, the first transgender woman to practise as a lawyer in the Supreme Court, said the proposal undermines the right to self-identification recognised in law and could violate fundamental rights and silence transgender voices.
