Parliament on Wednesday passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving the legislation a day after it was cleared by the Lok Sabha. The bill introduces key changes to the existing law, including provisions on punishment and the scope of protections offered to transgender persons.
The amendment proposes excluding “social orientations” from the ambit of the law, a move that drew criticism from opposition members. Several MPs urged the government to refer the bill to a select committee for further scrutiny, raising concerns about its implications for the rights and recognition of transgender individuals.
Despite these objections, the government pushed the bill through, stating that the amendments aim to strengthen legal safeguards. Responding to the debate in the Upper House, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar said the legislation is intended to ensure inclusivity while balancing the concerns of different sections of society.
Another significant feature of the bill is the introduction of graded punishment, which links the severity of penalties to the extent of harm inflicted on transgender persons. The government argued that this would create a more proportionate and effective legal framework.
The passage of the bill has sparked debate both inside and outside Parliament, with activists and opposition leaders questioning whether the changes dilute existing protections. The government, however, maintains that the amendment is a step toward refining and strengthening the rights-based approach to transgender welfare in India.
