Shashi Tharoor Slams New Transgender Bill
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticised the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it a deeply regressive proposal and warning that it could weaken rights linked to gender identity, privacy and dignity. His remarks have added momentum to the growing opposition from lawmakers and activists who say the proposed changes depart from the rights-based framework established in recent years.
Shashi Tharoor Criticises Transgender Bill
Tharoor said the proposed law appears to reverse key protections that followed the Supreme Court’s 2014 NALSA judgment and the 2019 transgender rights law. He objected in particular to the reported removal of provisions recognising self-identified gender, arguing that replacing self-identification with medical board verification and bureaucratic certification would undermine personal autonomy and constitutional guarantees.
Transgender Identity And Privacy Concerns Rise
A major point of concern is the narrower definition of a transgender person under the proposed amendment. Critics argue that such a change could exclude trans men, trans women and non-binary individuals, while reducing gender identity to biological markers or limited social categories. Tharoor also raised concerns that requiring certification through official processes could violate privacy and expose vulnerable individuals to intrusive scrutiny.
Opposition To Amendment Bill Grows
The bill is now facing broader criticism beyond Tharoor’s response, with activists and opposition voices questioning both its substance and the manner in which it was introduced. Concerns have also been raised over the lack of wider stakeholder consultation before the proposal was tabled. The debate is expected to intensify as Parliament takes up the issue and rights groups press for retention of self-identification protections in the legal framework.
