New Delhi, March 14: The CPI(M) on Saturday opposed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging the proposed changes undermine the principle of self-determination of gender identity and violate the constitutional rights of such people.
The party also criticised observations made by the Supreme Court while disposing of a petition seeking menstrual leave for working women. It said the remarks were “negative and discriminatory”.
About the bill seeking changes in the law for transgender persons’ rights, the CPI(M) demanded its withdrawal, saying laws that affect the rights of particular communities should not be introduced without prior consultation with stakeholders.
It alleged the bill omits recognition of self-perceived gender identities and instead requires certification by a medical board headed by a chief medical officer, while empowering the district magistrate to scrutinise such certificates before issuing identity documents.
The CPI(M) also claimed that the definition of transgender persons has been “drastically narrowed”, noting that while the 2019 Act recognised transmen, transwomen, gender-queers and persons with diverse gender identities, the amended definition primarily recognises specific socio-cultural communities and persons with intersex variations.
Criticising the Supreme Court’s observations while disposing of a petition seeking menstrual leave for working women, the CPI(M) said, “It has implied that women’s health needs are secondary to the productivity of companies.”
The CPI(M) added that menstrual leave should be seen as a reasonable accommodation, recognising women as equal participants in the workforce. (PTI)
