The Lok Sabha on Friday approved the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stricter procedures for registering births and deaths reported long after the actual event. The legislation was passed amid continued opposition protests that disrupted parliamentary proceedings, leaving little room for debate before the Bill was cleared by a voice vote.
Lok Sabha Passes Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Tougher Rules for Delayed Registration
The amendment seeks to strengthen the authenticity of birth and death records by tightening the legal process for delayed registrations, particularly in cases where the event is reported several years later. According to the government, reliable civil registration is essential because a birth certificate serves as a person’s primary legal identity document and forms the basis for accessing numerous public services.
Key Changes Proposed in the Bill
One of the most significant reforms introduced by the Bill concerns registrations made more than two years after a birth or death. Under the proposed amendment:
- Such delayed registrations will require the approval of a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class (JMFC) or a Metropolitan Magistrate.
- Earlier, these cases could generally be approved by executive authorities under existing procedures.
- The change is intended to reduce fraudulent registrations and improve the credibility of official records.
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Government’s Rationale
The Centre has maintained that birth and death certificates are among the country’s most important identity documents. Since these records are used for school admissions, inheritance claims, passports, government welfare schemes, and several other legal purposes, ensuring their accuracy is critical.
Officials argue that introducing judicial oversight for extremely delayed registrations will discourage misuse of the registration system while preserving the integrity of public records.
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Passed Amid Political Protests
The Bill was passed during a turbulent Lok Sabha session marked by repeated protests from opposition members. Demonstrations over unrelated political issues led to frequent disruptions, but the government continued with its legislative agenda. The House approved the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill before adjourning for the day.
What Happens Next?
Having received the Lok Sabha’s approval, the Bill will proceed through the remaining stages of the parliamentary process before becoming law. Once enacted, the amended provisions will replace the existing rules governing delayed registration under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.