NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday sought the Centre’s response to petitions challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, with petitioners alleging that the new law curtails rights and benefits available under the earlier legislation.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana questioned how transgender identity cards issued under the previous legal framework could be rendered invalid if the amendments were intended to operate prospectively.
“If the amendments are to be implemented prospectively, how can identity cards issued under the earlier provisions become invalid?” the bench asked.
Senior advocates appearing for the petitioners argued that the amended law effectively deprives transgender persons of benefits available under the earlier regime and interferes with their access to gender-affirming hormone therapy.
They told the court that several individuals who had already begun hormone treatment were now being denied medical care because doctors feared prosecution under the amended law.
The petitioners also alleged that the government’s national portal for transgender persons had been discontinued, preventing members of the community from accessing several welfare benefits.
The Supreme Court has sought the Centre’s response to the pleas.
