Tripura LGBTQ+ groups meet Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu, urging withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. Activists warn proposed changes threaten gender self-identification, legal rights, and dignity of transgender persons across India.
A Tripura-based LGBTQ+ collective along with several civil society organisations has raised serious concerns over the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, urging the Union government to withdraw the legislation. Community representatives met Indrasena Reddy Nallu, the Governor of Tripura, on Monday and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting the potential impact of the proposed amendments on the rights and dignity of transgender persons.
The delegation, led by members of the community organisation Swabhiman, included representatives from various LGBTQ+ groups and civil society networks across the state. Around 180 members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies endorsed the representation through signatures, reflecting widespread concern about the bill among activists and rights advocates.
According to the delegation, the amendment bill, introduced in Parliament on March 13, may weaken the principle of gender self-identification that has been recognised under existing legal provisions. Activists argue that the proposed changes could undermine the autonomy of transgender persons by introducing new procedural requirements for legal recognition of gender identity.
One of the key concerns raised by the delegation relates to the provision requiring medical certification from a government-appointed board for official recognition of a person’s gender identity. Community leaders said such a requirement could create unnecessary barriers and potentially infringe on the personal dignity and autonomy of transgender individuals.
The delegation also noted that the amendment may conflict with the landmark ruling delivered by the Supreme Court of India in the NALSA v. Union of India case, which recognised the right of individuals to determine their own gender identity without medical intervention. Activists fear that altering this principle could weaken legal protections that were established through the historic judgment.
Representatives further expressed apprehension that certain provisions in the amendment might narrow the legal definition of transgender persons. They argued that such changes could exclude sections of the community from recognition and rights guaranteed under existing frameworks.
The group also raised concerns about possible misuse of punitive provisions within the proposed law. According to members of the delegation, these clauses might be interpreted in ways that could lead to harassment or legal complications for families, friends, or community members who support transgender individuals.
During the meeting, Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu listened to the concerns presented by the delegation and assured them that their views would be examined carefully. The governor reportedly told the representatives that their concerns would be conveyed to the Central government and placed before the Rajya Sabha for consideration.
Members of the delegation also highlighted ongoing challenges faced by transgender persons in Tripura, including limited employment opportunities, social stigma, and restricted access to healthcare services. They stressed that legislative changes should prioritise strengthening welfare measures, social inclusion, and protection from discrimination rather than introducing new procedural hurdles.
Among those present in the delegation was Payel Das, a member of the Tripura Transgender Welfare Board and a leader associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
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In addition to meeting the governor, the organisation said it had submitted representations to the Droupadi Murmu, the Narendra Modi–led Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Members of Parliament from Tripura, the state government, and the social welfare department, seeking withdrawal of the proposed amendment.
Community leaders said they hope the government will engage in wider consultations with stakeholders before proceeding further with the legislation.
