Lok Sabha Introduces Bill Defining Transgender Persons, Proposing Graded Punishments

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced in the Lok Sabha by Social Justice Minister Virendra Kumar, seeks to provide a precise legal definition of 'transgender' excluding individuals with different sexual orientations or self-perceived identities. It defines transgender persons by socio-cultural identities and physiological markers, aiming to clarify identification and ensure targeted benefits. The bill proposes graded punishments for serious offences against transgender persons and establishes a medical board authority to verify identity, replacing the earlier self-perceived identity provision.