Published Paper Details:

This Research examines the evolving legal recognition of transgender persons in India with a specific focus on their rights to marriage and adoption. Drawing on doctrinal analysis of statutory frameworks such as the Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act, alongside adoption guidelines of the Central Adoption Resource Authority, the study identifies critical gaps in the current legal system. Landmark judicial pronouncements such as NALSA v. Union of India and Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India are analyzed to highlight the constitutional underpinnings of equality, dignity, and privacy under Articles 14 and 21. However, conflicting judicial trends and administrative practices continue to obstruct transgender persons' access to marriage registration and adoption procedures. Complementing doctrinal research, the study incorporates qualitative empirical insights from semi-structured interviews with transgender individuals, NGOs, adoption agencies, and legal practitioners. These findings reveal lived experiences marked by bureaucratic hurdles, stigma, and inconsistent application of rights despite progressive constitutional jurisprudence. Comparative perspectives from jurisdictions such as Argentina, Canada, and Nepal demonstrate viable pathways where legislative reform, administrative guidelines, and robust anti-discrimination frameworks have enabled inclusive recognition of marriage and adoption rights for transgender persons. The discussion employs constitutional tests of reasonable classification, proportionality, and dignity to argue for remedial action in India through a combination of judicial recognition, legislative reform, and administrative directives. The policy roadmap recommends short-term interventions such as registrar and adoption agency guidelines, medium-term statutory amendments, and long-term public sensitization and anti-discrimination measures. The study concludes by reaffirming the constitutional mandate of equality and dignity, calling for urgent harmonization of Indian family law with trans-inclusive constitutional principles.