President Murmu Approves Transgender Rights Amendment Bill 2026

New Legislation for Transgender Rights

President Droupadi Murmu has officially sanctioned the 'Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026'. This new legislation aims to establish graduated penalties for offenders who inflict physical harm on transgender individuals. The Ministry of Law issued a notification regarding this on March 30.

Opposition lawmakers have criticized the amendment, arguing that it excludes gay men and lesbian women from its provisions. The bill includes a provision for the establishment of an authority to determine an individual's transgender status.

Opposition Concerns and Government's Stance

The opposition has raised objections regarding this provision. According to the notification from the Ministry of Law dated March 30, the amended law will come into effect from the date specified in the government gazette. During discussions in both houses of Parliament, the government stated that the bill's primary goal is to protect transgender individuals, while the opposition contended that the proposed law restricts the right to self-identification. They have also called for the bill to be sent to a permanent committee for more comprehensive deliberation.

Clarifications on Terminology and Scope

The bill proposes a clear definition of the term 'transgender' and suggests excluding 'various sexual orientations and self-identified gender identities' from its scope. It states that individuals with 'various sexual orientations and self-identified gender identities' will neither be included nor have ever been included in this definition. The act aims to protect a specific group of people recognized as transgender, who face significant social discrimination.