New Delhi, Aug 4: Parliament on Tuesday cleared the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes stricter procedures for registering births and deaths after prolonged delays.The Rajya Sabha passed the legislation by a voice vote, days after the Lok Sabha approved it on July 31.
The bill will now be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for assent before it can come into force.The amendment seeks to revise provisions of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, with a focus on strengthening verification mechanisms for delayed registrations and improving the reliability of official records.Under the proposed framework, the existing process for reporting births and deaths within 21 days will remain unchanged.
Registrations delayed by more than 21 days but completed within one year will also continue to be governed by the current procedure, including the applicable late fee.However, new approval requirements will apply to registrations delayed beyond one year.
For cases pending for more than one year but less than two years, permission will be required from the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate or another officer authorised by them. The designated authority will be expected to examine the documents and verify the information before granting approval.For registrations delayed by more than two years, an order from a First-Class Judicial Magistrate will be required under the proposed amendments.
Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said the government aimed to ensure comprehensive registration of births and deaths across the country. He said accurate and updated records were important for effective administration and to prevent the misuse of outdated entries in official databases.
The minister also made political remarks concerning electoral records and alleged irregularities under previous governments, drawing criticism from the Opposition.The bill was taken up in the Rajya Sabha amid protests and sloganeering by Opposition members. Several MPs demanded the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah and sought a wider discussion on issues raised by the Opposition.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said the House should allow a proper discussion and called for the Prime Minister and Home Minister to participate in the proceedings.Despite the disruptions, Rai moved the bill for consideration and passage, urging members to support the proposed changes.
Members of the National Democratic Alliance backed the legislation, describing stronger scrutiny of delayed registrations as necessary to maintain accurate public records.With both Houses of Parliament having approved the bill, it is awaiting presidential assent. Once enacted, the amended law is expected to introduce additional verification requirements for birth and death registrations submitted after extended delays.
