Lok Sabha Passes Births and Deaths Bill
The Lok Sabha has passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which introduces stricter scrutiny for births and deaths reported more than two years after they occurred.
Lok Sabha Passes Births and Deaths Bill
The Bill was approved by voice vote without a debate amid continued Opposition protests over police action against participants in the July 20 Parliament march.
Several Opposition MPs entered the Well of the House and demanded the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised their decision not to participate, saying the government had sought a discussion on the legislation.
The Bill was introduced by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on July 29 and seeks to amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
Delayed Birth Registration Rules Tightened
Under the existing law, a birth or death reported more than one year after its occurrence can be registered following an order from a district magistrate, sub-divisional magistrate or authorised executive magistrate.
The amended framework creates two separate categories. Cases reported after one year but within two years will continue to require approval from an authorised executive magistrate after verification.
However, any birth or death reported more than two years after its occurrence can be registered only through an order issued by a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.
Government Seeks Timely Civil Registration
The government said the amendment would strengthen verification, discourage long delays and promote timely reporting of births and deaths.
Birth and death certificates provide legal evidence of an individual’s birth or death and are used for several official and administrative purposes.
The Bill has cleared only the Lok Sabha. It must also be passed by the Rajya Sabha and receive presidential assent before becoming law. Its provisions will take effect from a date notified by the Union government in the Official Gazette.
