September 24, 2026
Can I Sell My Kidney?
Selling a kidney is illegal in India. What the law says, the real risks, and the lawful way to help a loved one instead.
Medically Reviewed By
Artemis Kidney Hospital Nephrology & Transplant Team
See our full team on the Doctors page
If money pressure led you here, 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.
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.
A kidney can only be given, never sold. Living donation to a near relative is voluntary and unpaid; a donor may only be reimbursed for documented medical costs and genuine lost wages.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified nephrologist about your own condition.
This article is part of
The Complete Kidney Transplant & Care Guide for India →Have Questions?
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