New Delhi: Over 44 student organisations from more than 25 law schools across the country on Friday criticised the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging that it undermines the rights of transgender and gender-diverse persons.

The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Virendra Kumar on March 13, seeks to define “transgender” and exclude individuals based on sexual orientation and self-perceived gender identity from its ambit.

In a joint statement, student groups, including collectives from leading law institutions, said the amendment “threatens dignity, autonomy and constitutional rights” of transgender, intersex and genderqueer persons.

They argued that the proposed changes dilute protections recognised in the NALSA v. Union of India judgment, which affirmed the right to self-perceived gender identity.

The statement also criticised the narrowing of the definition of transgender persons, alleging that it excludes several identities such as trans men and non-binary individuals.

The organisations further claimed that the Bill was introduced without adequate consultation with the community and does not address key issues such as protection from violence and access to rights.

The proposed legislation has also drawn criticism from activists and student bodies, who have called for a more inclusive and consultative approach to lawmaking in this area.