The Centre has requested the Supreme Court to centralize petitions from various High Courts challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted the potential for conflicting judgments due to the pending challenges in multiple High Courts. The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, acknowledged the request, noting the value of diverse opinions from High Courts.
The Supreme Court is considering the urgent listing of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the amended Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2026. A recent petition before the Supreme Court prompted the issuance of a notice and the constitution of a three-judge Bench by the Chief Justice of India. The plea alleged that the amended provisions infringe on the fundamental rights of transgender individuals.
Challenges to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, have surfaced in various High Courts, including the Delhi, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Karnataka High Courts. These challenges raise concerns about the dilution of self-identification principles and the imposition of medical certification and state-controlled verification of gender identity. Notably, the amended law has sparked debates on privacy, dignity, and autonomy within the transgender community.
