New Delhi: On Wednesday, Parliament passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the government assuring that the dignity of individuals belonging to this community would be upheld and that no discrimination against them would be permitted.
In the Upper House, the Bill was passed by a voice vote following a discussion. The Lok Sabha had already passed the Bill earlier. Responding to the discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar stated that all members had unanimously expressed concern regarding the welfare of the transgender community.
The Minister remarked that this Bill is not merely a piece of legislation, but rather an answer to their call for justice. He affirmed that the Narendra Modi government is committed to the upliftment and advancement of all sections of society. The Minister added that this proposed law aims to empower transgender individuals and restore the dignity of a community that has been marginalized for centuries.
He noted that a law for the protection and welfare of transgender persons was enacted in 2019, and this current Amendment Bill has been introduced to modify certain complex provisions in order to provide protection to individuals who bear no fault of their own in determining their gender identity.
He stated, “We want members of this community, too, to live with equality.” “They, too, should be accorded rights just like everyone else.” He stated that this measure is part of broader efforts aimed at ensuring equality for all sections of society.
The Minister remarked, “This law will be utilized exclusively for those individuals who are genuinely in need of protection. In the absence of appropriate legislation, they [transgender individuals] face severe social ostracism.”
He noted that this Bill has been introduced to address the vulnerability faced by a specific segment of the community—those who, due to their biological status, endure severe social exclusion through no fault of their own.
Kumar pointed out that, a decade ago, the Supreme Court had ruled that the failure to recognize the identity of transgender individuals constitutes a violation of the Constitution.
The Minister reiterated that, given the severe social insecurity faced by transgender individuals, these provisions have been specifically established for their benefit.
He stated, “Through this Bill, penal provisions have been introduced for the very first time. Coercing a child—whether through inducement or instigation of any kind—to present themselves as transgender will now constitute a punishable offense.”
The Minister added that the proposed legislation incorporates specific provisions designed to prevent any harm from befalling children.
He emphasized that this proposed law conveys a clear message: society will not tolerate any form of abuse directed at children.
He further noted that once enacted into law, this legislation will ensure administrative clarity, safeguard the rights of the community, and accord social recognition to transgender individuals.
The Minister stated that the government is actively working at various levels to foster social inclusion for members of this community. He cited the example of a government canteen currently being operated by members of this community, noting that the responsibility for managing a souvenir shop has also been entrusted to an individual from this same community.
