Bengaluru: Members of the Karnataka State Gender and Sexuality Minorities Coalition, popularly known as Okoota, have written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Union government to withdraw the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it a major setback to the rights of the transgender community.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of Bangalore, coalition members said the amendment threatens to dilute the legal protections established by the landmark National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India (2014) judgment of the Supreme Court of India, which recognised the right of individuals to self-identify their gender.
According to the coalition, the amendment seeks to narrow the legal definition of “transgender persons” by limiting it primarily to socio-cultural identities such as hijra, kinner, aravani and similar traditional communities, or people born with intersex variations. Activists argue that this definition excludes several groups including trans men, trans women, genderqueer and non-binary persons, who currently fall under the broader legal recognition.
Members of Okoota also raised concerns over the proposed removal of provisions guaranteeing the right to self-perceived gender identity. Under the amendment, individuals seeking recognition as transgender would need certification from a government-appointed medical board, followed by approval from a district magistrate. Activists say this process shifts the authority to determine gender identity from individuals to state authorities, potentially violating the rights to dignity, privacy and autonomy.
The coalition further argued that the amendment undermines international human rights standards such as the Yogyakarta Principles and contradicts the progressive framework established after the 2014 judgment.
Activists including Akkai Padmashali, Prakash-Prakashi, Arvind Narrain, Rumi Harish, Maya, Monika and Rakshitha said the proposed law risks reversing years of progress and could expose transgender persons and traditional communities to greater discrimination. They urged the Centre to withdraw the Bill immediately.
City Today News 9341997936
City Today News 