Doctors performing 'conversion therapy' face losing licence: TNMC informs Madras HC

The Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) on Monday reported to the Madras High Court that circulars have been issued to all registered medical practitioners stating that conducting conversion therapy and unethical treatment of trans people would lead to stringent action involving suspension of the registration of medical practitioners. It also stated that these problems would be introduced into the ambit of continuing medical education (CME) in order to sensitize the doctors.

The submission was before Justice N Anand Venkatesh when the petitions dealing with LGBTQIA+ matters were taken up for hearing.

The legal counsel representing the TNMC stated that the circulars had been issued on September 12, 2025, informing that the TNMC is vested with power to initiate disciplinary proceedings on any complaint received regarding any attempt/interventions to alter the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of an individual, which is also known as 'conversion therapy', which shall be interpreted as 'professional misconduct' on the part of the medical professionals and suitable action shall be initiated in accordance with the prevailing rules.

Any type of so-called conversion therapy or coercive medical/psychological practice for changing the sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics of an individual is strictly prohibited by the circulars. This is deemed to be unethical and could attract disciplinary action under TNMC rules.

All clinicians are bound by a professional and ethical obligation to deliver healthcare on an non-discriminatory basis in terms of gender identity, gender expression or intersex status. Dignified, respectful and inclusive care must be guaranteed at all phases of medical interaction, it added.

Declaring that its ethics committee will consider complaints of misbehaviour or discriminatory attitude against transgender and intersex individuals as high-priority disciplinary cases, the council instructed all registered medical practitioners to hold themselves to these guidelines in letter and spirit and failure to do so would be taken seriously and may invite disciplinary action including suspension of registration.