Parliament Passes Bill Tightening Delayed Birth, Death Registration

New Delhi, Aug 4: Parliament on Tuesday passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving it by voice vote amid Opposition protests, paving the way for stricter scrutiny of delayed registrations.

The Bill, already passed by the Lok Sabha on Friday, amends the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, primarily to strengthen safeguards against fraudulent or fabricated entries in official records.

Moving the legislation in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said the amendments would strengthen the credibility of the civil registration system while ensuring that genuine applicants receive legal recognition after due verification.

Under the amended provisions, registrations sought between one and two years after a birth or death will require approval from the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate or an Executive Magistrate with jurisdiction.

For applications delayed by more than two years, an order from a First-Class Judicial Magistrate will now be mandatory, replacing the earlier executive-level approval.

The amendments also make factual verification compulsory in every delayed registration case and provide for a prescribed fee.

The government said the measures would encourage timely registration, which is required within 21 days, and improve the accuracy and reliability of civil records.

Birth and death certificates are essential for several legal and administrative purposes, including school admissions, passports, Aadhaar enrolment, electoral registration, inheritance, insurance and pension claims.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned after passing the Bill amid continuing Opposition protests. (Agencies)