Activists urge President to withhold assent for Transgender Amendment Bill 2026
Around 140 lawyers and women's rights activists have urged President Droupadi Murmu not to grant assent to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing "constitutional violations" and "procedural infirmities." The letter, from groups like ALIFA and NAJAR, criticized the undue haste in passing the Bill and the lack of public consultation. They argue that the Bill violates the Supreme Court's NALSA judgment (2014) by removing the right to self-perceived gender identity and introducing medical board scrutiny, which infringes on bodily integrity and privacy. Members of the National Council for Transgender Persons also resigned in protest.
Key Points
- Lawyers and activists have urged the President not to assent to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing constitutional and procedural flaws.
- The Bill is criticized for being passed with undue haste and without adequate public and stakeholder consultation.
- Activists argue the Bill violates the Supreme Court's NALSA judgment (2014) by undermining the right to self-perceived gender identity.
- The introduction of medical board scrutiny for identity certificates is seen as infringing on bodily integrity and privacy.
Exam Facts
- Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026.
- NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) v. Union of India (2014) judgment.
- Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy, 2014.
- Groups involved: All-India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA), National Alliance for Justice, Accountability and Rights (NAJAR).
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