On Monday, the Supreme Court of India agreed to examine the constitutional validity of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed concerns over the potential misuse of self-identification for accessing benefits meant for transgender individuals. The court issued notices to the Union government and states, directing responses within six weeks. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the amendment undermines the Supreme Court's 2014 NALSA ruling, which recognized self-identification of gender as a fundamental right. The amendment introduces a revised definition of 'transgender person' tied to specific socio-cultural identities and medically verifiable conditions, which activists claim risks excluding many individuals from recognition. Another contentious aspect is the requirement for a certificate of identity issued by a district magistrate based on a medical board's recommendation, reintroducing 'medical gatekeeping' rejected in the NALSA judgment. Concerns were also raised about the amendment's immediate impact on healthcare access, particularly hormonal therapy. The court has not issued any interim orders, noting that the amendment has yet to be notified and is not currently in force.