The Delhi High Court issued notices Wednesday on petitions challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. Justices D K Upadhyaya and Tejas Karia ordered Centre response by July 22.
Petitioners attack redefined “transgender” and ditching self-ID for certification via medical boards. They call it a “legislative rollback” of Supreme Court gains in NALSA (2014), which enshrined self-perceived gender under Articles 14, 19, 21.
Advocate Chandresh Jain and Lakshay Jain argue the shift to state verification, using genitalia, chromosomes, hormones, is “intrusive,” breaching dignity, privacy, autonomy. “Identity can’t face physical exams or state body scrutiny,” petitions state.
Law passed Lok Sabha March 24, Rajya Sabha 25 (voice vote amid opposition protests), assented March 30. Critics decry rushed process, skipping standing committee.
The amendments pivot from rights-focus to regulatory screening, allegedly arbitrary under Article 14, restrictive under 19(1)(a).
LGBTQ+ advocates hail HC move as vital check. Centre must reply. Hearing set for July 22.
(This story has been published from a syndicated feed)

