It’s not a crime and no action can be taken against you unless you are caught in any indecent sexual act
Hi, I am actually a male to female crossdresser in Bangalore. I love dressing up as woman and wear makeup. I live in big society and nobody is aware of. 1. Is this unethical to dress up like woman and walk in our society lawns or parks at midnight when most of the people are not there to prevent being harassed. Is there any criminal charges possible against me and treat this as indecent behavior for doing in odd hours like midnight or 1 am? Is this wrong? 2. Is there any chances of neighbour complaining to society if they found out and I might be asked to leave my room? 3. In India, what is the ideal steps to do this so that I am safe and not expelled from the society? I am not harming anyone. It's just my wish and I am like that. 4. Any possible suggestion what should I do? 5. If the CCTV captures my dressing sense in places at midnight, can it raise any problems for me?
Ask a question and receive multiple answers in one hour.
Lawyers are available now to answer your questions.
It’s not a crime and no action can be taken against you unless you are caught in any indecent sexual act
It is your life .you can cross dress and walk in public place
2) neighbours may complain to society but you have not committed any offence
3) don’t cross dress and walk in your society .you can do it in parks or pubs or restaurants
Cross-dressing is not considered an offence in India; the Supreme Court has recognized transgender individuals as a "third gender" and granted them the right to self-identify their gender, meaning cross-dressing is protected under the law as a manifestation of one's gender identity.
In India, those who cross-dress in the name of God are celebrated; however, those who cross-dress for themselves become the victim of ill-treatment.
While, Crossdressing is now Legal, it may not guarantee safety… it is good to understand that India being a very diverse country, there are places which are absolutely accepting the CDs, there are places which will not be respectful to such a practice in Public.
Crossdressing & Legal Aspects in India
Is it illegal?
Can neighbors complain?
How to stay safe?
CCTV issues?
Bottom Line:
You’re legally safe but may face social bias. Stay informed, avoid confrontations, and seek legal help if harassed.
For detailed, personalized advice, consider a phone consultancy. Hope you find the information helpful. You are free to contact me for further discussion. If you could spare two minutes of your time to write a review, it would be greatly appreciated and bring immense happiness to read it. Thank you. Shubham Goyal.
- Transgender people are legally recognized in India, and they are protected under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
1. No criminal charges applicable in your case , as you legal right to pass your life as per your wish
2. No, the society has no right to dictate you for the dress code
3. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act makes it illegal for anyone to separate a transgender person from their family or ask them to move out of their home, village or community.
4. In case facing any trouble from the neighbor or society , you can lodge a complaint before the police and higher officials.
5. No , None having right to interfere your personal life.
1. Cross dressing is not a crime unless you impersonate somebody else.
2. No.
3. Continue as you are doing.
4. Dress all the time like one particular gender does.
5. Not.
Dear Client,
You are well protected to cross-dressand dress in a manner as per your preferred gender identity as perIndian Law. No one can prosecuteanyone for dressing, even in a publicplace according to one's preference.Taking into account these societal prejudices, here are your answers:
1. Is crossdressing unethical or illegal,especially at midnight in a public place?
It is neither.
Indian law does not criminalize crossdressing unless it involves obscene acts or public indecency (which would apply equally to any gender).
As long as you are not engaging in any illegal activity, simply walking in a park or society lawn at night is not an offense.
2. Can neighbors complain, and can you be asked to leave?
Neighbors may complain due to prejudice or misunderstanding, but legally, they cannot force you out unless your conduct violates society rules or rental agreements (which usually focus on nuisance or criminal behavior, not clothing preferences).
If renting, check your rental agreement to ensure there are no vague morality clauses landlords might misuse.
3. How to ensure safety and avoid unnecessary attention?
If you feel your community is conservative, keep a low profile. Midnight walks are okay, but be aware of CCTV presence.
Be prepared to handle questions calmly if someone confronts you. You may say it is your personal style and that you are not disturbing anyone.
Know your legal rights – If harassed, you can file a complaint under Sections 354A & 509 IPC (protection from harassment and insulting modesty).
4. Any possible suggestions for safer expression?
Consider LGBTQ+ safe spaces or private clubs/events in Bangalore where you can crossdress freely.
If you want public expression, choose gender-inclusive cafes or parks where diversity is more accepted.
5. Can CCTV footage of you crossdressing create issues?
Legally, no, but socially, yes, if someone misuses the footage to harass you.
If society members misuse CCTV footage to target you, it can be considered privacy violation and harassment, and you may file a complaint under the IT Act, 2000, and BNS Sections 351 (criminal intimidation).