President Murmu Assents To Transgender Rights Amendment Bill Amid Opposition Criticism
President Murmu approves transgender amendment bill; Opposition criticizes exclusion of gays, lesbians.
President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, which introduces graded punishment for bodily harm against transgender individuals. The law will come into effect on a date to be notified by the Central Government through the official gazette, according to a notification from the Ministry of Law dated March 30.
The bill has faced sharp criticism from Opposition MPs, who argued that it excludes gay and lesbian individuals from its protections. They contended that the legislation undermines the right to self-identification and called for the bill to be referred to a parliamentary standing committee for more comprehensive consultations.
The amendment establishes an authority to determine whether a person qualifies as transgender, a provision that drew particular scrutiny from lawmakers opposing the bill. The legislation also provides a precise legal definition of “transgender” while explicitly excluding individuals with different sexual orientations or self-perceived sexual identities.
Also Read: Maharashtra CM Stands By Freedom of Religion Bill Amid Opposition Criticism
Government officials defended the bill, stating that its primary objective is to safeguard a socially and culturally defined class of individuals who have historically faced extreme discrimination. The Act emphasizes that its protections are designed for those identified as transgender under societal and cultural norms, rather than extending to all persons with diverse gender identities or fluid sexual orientations.
During debates in both Houses of Parliament, the government maintained that the amendment strengthens protections for transgender people, while the opposition continued to voice concerns over the narrower scope of the law. The discussion highlighted the ongoing tensions in India over legal recognition and protection for LGBTQ+ communities beyond the transgender population.
With presidential assent secured, the law now awaits formal notification from the government to take effect, marking a significant step in India’s legislative framework aimed at protecting transgender individuals, while leaving broader LGBTQ+ advocacy groups seeking further reforms.
Also Read: Finance Minister Pilots IBC Amendment Bill: Lok Sabha Approves Key Reforms
