Centre says 2026 law does not invalidate identity cards already issued to transgenders
Appearing before a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the validity of these cards would not be affected by the new law
The Union government assured the Supreme Court on Monday that transgender identity cards issued prior to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, would remain valid. Transgender identity cards serve as official recognition of a person's self-identified gender and can be used to change their name and gender on official records.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated at a three-judge bench that the validity of these cards will not be affected by the new law. The government's transgender portal enables changes to name and gender in official documents. The Supreme Court previously emphasized that the 2026 law should not retrospectively invalidate transgender cards issued under a previous legislation.
Petitioners, including activists and community members, argued that the importance of these identity cards cannot be dismissed. A transgender community member said the card is an essential part of her basic identity. The 2026 Amendment Act, which came into force on March 30, 2026, has been criticized for granting the State unfettered authority to determine gender identity, contrary to a 2014 Supreme Court judgment upholding transgender persons' right to self-determined gender identity and protection from discrimination and social stigma.
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