In India, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, has received Presidential assent. This amendment bill had faced significant opposition within India. Now, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has also weighed in on the matter, expressing regret over the passage of the Transgender Amendment Bill.
Geneva: The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has issued a sharp reaction regarding India’s legislation concerning transgender persons. It has alleged that this law was passed in haste, without adequate consultation with stakeholders. The UNHRC further stated that this Indian law would have far-reaching implications for the right to privacy and poses a risk of further marginalizing transgender individuals. However, this is not the first instance in which the UNHRC has attempted to interfere in India’s internal affairs; the Council has previously adopted an aggressive stance toward India regarding the issue of Kashmir.
What Did the UNHRC Say Regarding the Transgender Law?
Writing on X (formerly Twitter), the UNHRC stated: “We regret that the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, was passed so rapidly without adequate stakeholder consultation. These amendments risk eroding the hard-won rights of transgender persons by replacing ‘self-identification’ with mandatory medical examination procedures. India has historically been a leader in upholding the rights of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. This Bill will have far-reaching implications for the right to privacy and poses a risk of further marginalizing transgender persons.”
What Is the Transgender Amendment Bill?
In India, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, recently received Presidential assent. This amendment primarily seeks to narrow the definition of a transgender person, rendering it more “medically-based.” Under this framework, a certificate from a medical board has been made mandatory for obtaining an identity card. Now, to receive legal recognition as a transgender person, one must obtain a certificate from a Medical Superintendent or a Chief Medical Officer (CMO), following which the District Magistrate (DM) will issue the identity card.
What is the United Nations Human Rights Council?
- The United Nations Human Rights Council is a principal inter-governmental body of the United Nations. Its primary objective is to promote and protect human rights worldwide, as well as to investigate human rights violations.
- The United Nations Human Rights Council was established in 2006. Its headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.
- The United Nations Human Rights Council comprises 47 member states, which are elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term.
- Globally, the United Nations Human Rights Council works on issues such as freedom of expression, freedom of religion, women’s rights, and the rights of racial and ethnic minorities.
Provision for Stricter Punishment for Violence Against Transgender Persons
Furthermore, the punishment for sexual, physical, or economic abuse committed against transgender persons has been increased; the sentence can now range from 2 years up to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment. There is a provision for imprisonment ranging from 5 to 10 years for anyone who forces a transgender person into begging or bonded labor. The government states that the objective of this amendment is to ensure the safety and welfare of the transgender community.
Reported by: Priyesh Mishra
About the Author
Priyesh Mishra, He currently serves as a Principal Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times Online. He is associated with the ‘World’ section of Navbharat Times. He possesses 10 years of experience in digital journalism, during which he has worked in various roles involving both reporting and desk operations.
Courtesy: Hindi News