NNGSM slams proposed amendment, says it undermines self-identity rights guaranteed by the Supreme Court; protest meet planned in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: A major controversy is brewing over the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with activists and civil society groups warning that the legislation could roll back critical rights of transgender and gender-diverse communities in India.
The National Network for Gender and Sexual Minorities (NNGSM), a collective representing activists and organisations across 18 districts of Karnataka, has strongly opposed the amendment, calling it a “direct threat to constitutional rights and dignity” of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Bill Accused of Narrowing Transgender Identity
According to NNGSM, the proposed amendment seeks to restrict the definition of “transgender person” by limiting it largely to traditional socio-cultural identities such as Hijra, Kinner, Aravani, Jogta, and persons with intersex variations.
Activists argue that such a definition excludes individuals who identify based on self-perceived gender identity, thereby undermining one of the most fundamental principles of gender rights.
“This amendment dilutes the very essence of identity by denying individuals the right to self-identify. It is a serious regression,” members of the collective stated.
Clash with Supreme Court Judgment
The opposition has also pointed out that the proposed bill contradicts the landmark ruling of the National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India, where the Supreme Court of India upheld the right of individuals to self-identify their gender.
Legal experts believe that removing or weakening this provision could violate constitutional protections related to dignity, equality and personal liberty.
“The right to self-identification is not just legal recognition, it is about dignity and existence,” a legal expert noted.
Call for Public Mobilisation in Bengaluru
In response to the proposed amendment, NNGSM has announced a public meeting and protest gathering to raise awareness and mobilise opposition.
The event is scheduled to take place at:
- Venue: Freedom Park
- Date: March 18 (Wednesday)
- Time: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Organisers have urged media organisations to cover the event extensively and help amplify the voices of marginalised communities affected by the proposed law.
Concerns Over Rights and Representation
Activists warn that the amendment could erase years of progress made in securing legal recognition and protections for transgender individuals.
They argue that by narrowing the definition, the law risks excluding a large section of gender-diverse individuals from welfare schemes, legal safeguards, and social recognition.
