A Tripura-based LGBTQ+ collective along with several civil society organisations has urged the Central government to withdraw the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, expressing concern that the legislation could undermine the rights and dignity of transgender persons.
Members of the organisation Swabhiman and other community representatives submitted a representation to Indrasena Reddy Nallu, the Governor of Tripura, highlighting their objections to the amendment bill that was introduced in Parliament on March 13. The delegation met the governor on Monday and conveyed apprehensions that the proposed changes could weaken the principle of gender self-identification recognized under existing legal provisions.
The representation was supported by around 180 signatures from members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies from across the state. According to the delegation, one of the major concerns relates to the provision requiring medical certification from a government-appointed board for legal recognition of a person’s gender identity.
Community representatives argued that such a requirement could affect the autonomy of transgender individuals and create barriers in accessing legal recognition and associated rights. They also expressed concern that the proposed amendment could narrow the definition of transgender persons and introduce procedural hurdles for those seeking official recognition of their gender identity.
The delegation further noted that the proposed provisions may conflict with the principles laid down by the Supreme Court of India in the landmark National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India, which recognised the right of individuals to self-identify their gender.
Members of the group also pointed out that transgender persons in the state continue to face challenges such as social stigma, limited employment opportunities and restricted access to healthcare. They emphasized that legal reforms should focus on strengthening welfare measures and protection from discrimination rather than introducing additional barriers.
During the meeting, the governor listened to the concerns raised by the delegation and assured them that their views would be conveyed to the Central government and the Rajya Sabha.
Among those present in the delegation was Payel Das, a member of the Tripura Transgender Welfare Board and a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The organisation also stated that representations have been sent to the President of India, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the three Members of Parliament from Tripura, the Chief Minister and the state’s social welfare department, requesting withdrawal of the proposed amendment bill.
