New Delhi (TIP): The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 12 by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar, proposing significant changes to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
The Bill seeks to narrow the definition of “transgender person”, modify the procedure for recognition of gender identity, and introduce stricter penal provisions for offences involving forced conversion of individuals into transgender identities through mutilation or coercion. One of the key amendments proposed in the Bill is a revised definition of “transgender person”. The new definition recognises persons with socio cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani, jogta and eunuch, as well as persons with intersex variations involving congenital variations in primary sexual characteristics, genitalia, chromosomal patterns, gonadal development or hormone production. The Bill also includes persons who are forced through mutilation, emasculation, castration, surgical, chemical or hormonal procedures to outwardly present a transgender identity.
At the same time, the proposed definition clarifies that persons with different sexual orientations or self perceived sexual identities will not fall within the definition of transgender persons under the Act.
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the amendment aims to ensure that the protections of the Act reach a specific class of transgender persons who face “severe social exclusion due to biological reasons”, and not “each and every class of persons with various gender identities or self perceived gender identities”. The Bill proposes changes to the procedure for issuance of a certificate of identity as a transgender person.
Under the proposed amendment, the District Magistrate will issue a certificate of identity after examining the recommendation of a designated medical board headed by a Chief Medical Officer or Deputy Chief Medical Officer. The District Magistrate may also seek assistance from other medical experts if necessary.
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