Centre assures SC old transgender cards remain valid

The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that transgender identity cards issued before the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, will continue to remain valid. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta gave this assurance to a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, which recorded the submission as subject to the final outcome of the petitions challenging the amendment.

Senior advocate Jayna Kothari sought restoration of already cancelled cards, but the bench said individual applications must be filed. Senior advocate Rajiv Shakdhar argued benefits should not be disturbed. Senior advocate Arundhati Katju noted the 2019 Act was based on self-identification of gender, which the 2026 amendment removes. Advocate Kanmani raised concerns over disruption of welfare benefits. Senior advocate Anand Grover said some states issued cards based on the 2014 NALSA judgment, not the 2019 Act.

The Supreme Court has fixed the pleas for final hearing after three weeks. Around 15 petitions have challenged the 2026 amendment, which Parliament passed in March 2026.