Transgender I-cards issued before 2026 amendment to stay valid: Centre to Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Central government on Monday assured the Supreme Court that transgender identity cards issued before the 2026 amendment to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act will continue to remain operational.

The development took place during the resumed hearing of a clutch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2026 amendment.

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A three-member bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana had sought clarity on the status of transgender persons who had already obtained identity cards under the 2019 law, and those who were in the process of obtaining such documents.

"It was indicated to us that where there is a transgender card, it will be preserved. Some submissions are coming from the Bar that without a transgender card, identity documents have been changed. This must be considered," Justice Bagchi said.

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The bench also agreed to examine cases where transgender identity cards were allegedly cancelled or replaced following the amendment. It will also consider the position of persons whose applications were pending when the amended law came into force.

The issue stems from an application filed in the case of a petitioner who moved the top court against the 2026 amendment. The application, filed on August 10, said the petitioner, Ankani Biswas, was issued a transgender identity card under the 2019 Act in February 2023.