On 13 March 2026, the Union Government introduced a Bill to amend the Trans Act in the Lok Sabha. This post includes basic key resources regarding this Amendment.
Summary of key changes:
- Definition of ‘transgender person’ restricted to ‘socio-cultural identities’, persons with specified intersex variations or those who have been somehow coerced into presenting as transgender (section 2(k))
- Process for TG certificate and ID requires a medical board’s recommendation for section 6 (transgender marker) or surgery for section 7 (male or female marker) (sections 2(aa), 6 and 7)
- Harsh criminal penalties for anyone who kidnaps someone and causes any grievous hurt/physical injury OR coerces someone to present as transgender or engage in begging against their will. (section 18)
Access the Tracked Changes version to see how the Amendment would change the Trans Act here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U_TkyINCaVzmJOZKFTLDDYx7GNqr4Vs0/view?usp=sharing
Access the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026, including Statement of Objects and Reasons here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1H9-7_gZCTaRZMnp8YFE5ew05-QMxzc4O
Access the Unofficial Kannada translation of the Amendment here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mUBxwF8TxeK_qbkI54VeaR_77HPulraH/view?usp=sharing
Access the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 in English and Kannada here: https://translaw.clpr.org.in/legislation/transgender-persons-protection-of-rights-act-2019/
Note: The Bill has been introduced but does not carry the force of law until it has (i) passed both House of Parliament (ii) received Presidential assent; and (iii) been notified to come into force by the Government.
Mihir Rajamane 
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