Trans activist flags concerns over new verification norms in amended law

A transgender rights activist from Himachal Pradesh has urged the Centre to retain self-identification in the recently enacted Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, warning that shifting to a medical board-based verification system could undermine dignity, autonomy and mental well-being .

Maya Thakur, a transgender woman associated with the Solan election department, said the amended law replaces a key provision of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 self-declared gender identity with mandatory certification by a government-appointed medical board . She argued that gender identity must be based on an individual’s sense of self rather than anatomical or clinical assessments. “I was born male but identify as a woman. Our identity is not defined by genitals,” she said, stressing the right to live freely in accordance with one’s self-perceived gender .

Thakur has written to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment seeking restoration of self-identification provisions. She highlighted that the amendments remove recognition of self-perceived identity , introduce compulsory medical certification , and narrow the definition of “transgender person” to specific socio-cultural groups and biological criteria. While accepting the need for verification, she suggested it should be handled by authorised officials without coercion or community pressure .

She also raised concerns about individuals living outside traditional eunuch or kinnar communities, saying they often face harassment and intrusive scrutiny , affecting mental health and career prospects. The amendments, which mandate reporting of gender-affirming surgeries and tighten eligibility criteria, have drawn criticism from opposition parties and rights groups.

The law, assented to by Droupadi Murmu , is yet to be notified. The debate highlights the challenge of balancing regulatory oversight with the rights of transgender persons to identity, dignity and autonomy .