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Karnataka High Court Lets Two Transgender Women Continue HRT During Challenge to 2026 Law

The order preserves ongoing care pending a possible Supreme Court consolidation of similar cases.

Overview

  • The Karnataka High Court, which granted interim relief Thursday, allowed the petitioners to keep taking hormone replacement therapy under their existing medical records.
  • The judge said the continuation of treatment is subject to the final outcome of the writ petitions and to any order the Supreme Court may pass, including in transfer proceedings.
  • Petitioners said some doctors refused to renew prescriptions after the 2026 amendment, pointing to a new clause they believe criminalises outward presentation as transgender and has chilled care.
  • The Union government argued the plea was premature and said no authority had ordered therapy to stop and hormones remain available in pharmacies.
  • Officials told the court they are pursuing transfer petitions to move similar challenges to the Supreme Court, as other High Courts, including Kerala, have issued comparable interim protections.