Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026

On 31st July 2026, the Lok Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. The Bill aims to make provisions relating to delayed registration more stringent and encourage the timely reporting of births and deaths.

Key Points:

Objective: The amendment seeks to strengthen the legal framework for delayed registration while promoting the timely reporting of births and deaths.
Stricter Provisions for Delayed Registration: If a birth or death is reported after one year but within two years, it may be registered only with the approval of the District Magistrate (DM), Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), or an Executive Magistrate authorised by the District Magistrate, after verification of the authenticity of the reported event.
Judicial Approval for Delay Beyond Two Years: If a birth or death is reported more than two years after its occurrence, it may be registered only on the order of a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class (JMFC).
Mandatory Verification: The Bill mandates that the designated authority must verify the authenticity of the reported birth or death before granting permission for delayed registration.
Significance: Registration of births and deaths is mandatory, and the certificate issued serves as an important legal identity document for an individual.