The Supreme Court tells the Centre that changes to transgender-related law cannot cancel rights that have already been granted to individuals under the previous framework. Hearing arguments from petitioners who represent members of the transgender community, the Court responds to concerns that amendments to the 2019 law could allow authorities to alter or invalidate transgender identity cards issued earlier. According to the petitioners, the amended provisions give the government broad authority to determine gender identity and could be used to revoke existing cards and related entitlements.
The Centre, represented by the government, is in proceedings as the Court considers the petition challenging aspects of the amendments. The Court’s direction, as reported by outlets, is aimed at ensuring that implementation of the updated law does not operate retrospectively in a way that removes benefits or recognition already provided. The matter is framed around how the amended law affects existing identity documents and whether authorities can cancel them after the legal changes. The Supreme Court’s statement reflects its position that any change in law must respect rights already conferred before the amendments take effect.
