New Delhi/Lucknow | A coalition of transgender rights groups and progressive organizations staged a strong protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. The demonstrators raised loud slogans against the legislation, calling it regressive and harmful to the rights of transgender individuals.
The protest saw participation from activists and organizations across the country, including members of the All India Revolutionary Students Organization, Revolutionary Cultural Front (RCF), and Caste Annihilation Movement (CAM). Activists such as Comrade Niranjan, Megh, and Comrade Tuhin expressed solidarity with the transgender community and voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendments.
Concerns Over Proposed Changes
Protesters alleged that the amendment seeks to dilute key provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 by replacing the principle of self-identification with a mandatory medical board-based certification process. They argued that this move contradicts the landmark 2014 judgment of the Supreme Court of India, which recognized transgender persons as a “third gender” and upheld their right to self-identify without requiring medical intervention.
According to demonstrators, the proposed bill undermines constitutional protections and could further marginalize transgender individuals by restricting their access to welfare benefits, employment opportunities, and social recognition.
Strong Political Criticism
Speakers at the protest sharply criticized the central government led by Narendra Modi, alleging that the amendment reflects a broader attempt to impose rigid gender norms and weaken progressive legal gains achieved over the years.
Some participants also drew parallels with global political trends, referring to policies associated with Donald Trump, and claimed that similar ideological approaches are influencing debates around gender rights.
Call for Nationwide Solidarity
Activists called upon democratic and progressive forces across the country to unite against the proposed legislation. They emphasized that any attempt to redefine transgender identity through restrictive mechanisms would violate fundamental rights, including dignity, equality, and self-determination.
The protest concluded with a collective appeal urging the government to withdraw the bill immediately and engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to ensure inclusive and rights-based policymaking for the transgender community.
