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Karnataka High Court permits two transgender persons to continue hormone replacement therapy
The Karnataka High Court granted an interim order allowing two transgender petitioners to continue their ongoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) without interruption, pending final adjudication of their petitions challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. The court noted potential health risks from abrupt therapy disruption and directed ongoing treatment per medical protocol, while noting that continuation is subject to Supreme Court outcomes.
Why It Matters
This interim ruling ensures continued access to essential medical treatment for transgender individuals amid changes to national law, highlighting health and rights considerations in the context of the amendment.
Timeline
2 Events
Karnataka High Court Vacation Bench interim order to continue HRT
May 8, 2026
A Vacation Bench of Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum passed an interim order permitting two transgender petitioners to continue their ongoing hormone replacement therapy without interruption, pending the final adjudication of their petitions challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. The court observed that abrupt discontinuation of such ongoing medical treatment may have adverse physical and mental consequences and directed doctors and medical authorities to facilitate continuation of treatment according to existing medical protocols, while noting that continuation is subject to the final outcome of the petitions and any orders of the Supreme Court.
Kerala High Court interim order referenced by petitioners
May 2026
The petitioners’ advocate placed strong reliance on an analogous interim order passed by the Kerala High Court, where similarly situated individuals were permitted to continue hormone therapy with appropriate directions to the medical authorities.