The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 has sparked debates across the country

The Bill removes the 2019 provision for "self-perceived gender identity," directly impacting a principle affirmed by the Supreme Court in NALSA v. Union of India

The amendment introduces a mandatory ‘District Screening Committee’ and a medical verification process for anyone seeking a gender certificate

Candles flicker as protesters highlight how the proposed law could replace self-identification with a medical verification process

Protesters hold banners asking the government to stop policing and governing gender and displayed that they stood for equality 

The candlelight vigil remained peaceful and silent