Article · 4 min read
Can I Sell My Kidney?
Selling a kidney is illegal in India. Here is what the law says, what the real risks are, and the lawful way to help a loved one instead.
If you are searching this because of money pressure, you are not alone — but the short answer is no. Selling a kidney is a criminal offence in India for everyone involved: the seller, the buyer, the broker, and any doctor who participates.
It is illegal in India
Under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994, commercial dealing in organs carries up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹1 crore. There is no "legal" way to sell a kidney, and anyone offering to arrange it is committing a crime — and is very often running a scam.
The lawful alternative
A kidney can only be given, never sold. Living donation to a near relative — or an approved non-relative — is voluntary and unpaid. A donor may only be reimbursed for documented medical costs and genuine lost wages, never paid for the organ itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any legal way to get paid for a kidney?
No. Payment for an organ is unlawful in every form. Only reimbursement of a donor’s actual expenses through the hospital is permitted.
What should I do if someone offers to buy my kidney?
Report it. Such offers are criminal and are frequently scams that exploit people in financial difficulty.
Sources
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This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor about your specific condition.