Indian apex court orders status quo on transgender ID cards pending final ruling

India’s Supreme Court has directed that transgender identity cards issued before the implementation of a new law will remain valid until the court decides petitions challenging the legislation.

A three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana heard around 15 petitions on Monday, August 17, challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2026.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the central government, assured the court that transgender identity cards issued before the new law came into force would continue to be recognised.

He said the government had confirmed, after obtaining instructions from the relevant authorities, that existing Transgender Identity (TGI) cards would remain effective until the Supreme Court delivers its final decision on the pending petitions.

The assurance came after the Supreme Court had directed the government to maintain the status of the special identity cards issued to transgender people and not make any changes to them while the case was under consideration.

The court granted the Centre additional time to file its response and fixed the matter for final hearing in about three weeks.

Supreme Court Orders Status Quo on Transgender ID Cards Pending Final Ruling
India’s Supreme Court has ordered the government to maintain the validity of transgender identity cards issued before the country’s new transgender rights law took effect.

The order came during a hearing on nearly 15 petitions challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2026.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, heard the petitions on August 17.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that existing Transgender Identity (TGI) cards would continue to be accepted and would not be affected by the new legislation until the court reaches a final decision.

The central government also sought time to submit its formal response.

The Supreme Court allowed the request and scheduled the final hearing for approximately three weeks later.

The ruling means transgender people holding identity cards issued before the new law will continue to use them while the constitutional challenge remains pending