Kerala HC Permits Continuation of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Transgender Persons

Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Healthcare

In a crucial interim order concerning bodily autonomy, the Kerala High Court has permitted two transgender petitioners to continue their ongoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). The petitioners had approached the court challenging the highly controversial provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, which allegedly creates severe medical certification hurdles for transitioning individuals.

The High Court observed that abruptly halting gender-affirming medical treatments could cause severe physical and psychological distress, thus violating the petitioners' right to health and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.