Amnesty International has condemned the Indian President’s assent to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, labeling it a major setback for human rights. The new law effectively removes the right to self-identify, replacing personal autonomy with a restrictive system of state-mandated medical boards and bureaucratic verification. This amendment contradicts the landmark 2014 Supreme Court NALSA ruling, which established gender identity as a matter of personal dignity and choice. Additionally, the legislation introduces invasive surveillance risks and a criminal framework that could target activists, healthcare providers, and families.
Date: March 31, 2026. Source: amnesty.org