2025, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part B

This research investigates the evolving legal status of transgender individuals in India through the lens of human rights. We meticulously analyze the constitutional protections, legislative amendments, judicial decisions, and socio-legal challenges encountered by transgender individuals. The focus is on India's advancements in promoting the principles of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination for the transgender community, in alignment with both national and international human rights standards.
Transgender individuals have historically encountered marginalization and violations of their human rights on a global scale, particularly within conservative societies. In the context of India, not with standing constitutional protections and a progressive ruling in the case of National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India (2014) ^[1], the transgender population persists in experiencing systemic discrimination, insufficient access to healthcare, a dearth of educational and employment opportunities, and pervasive violence. This scholarly article investigates the historical development of transgender rights in India, scrutinizes the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, ^[2] assesses its efficacy, and proffers recommendations aimed at achieving substantive equality. The article posits that legal recognition ought to be augmented by societal acceptance, comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, and inclusive policies to ensure the protection of the human rights of transgender individuals.