Parliament approves Bill to tighten rules for delayed birth and death registration
Parliament has passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stricter procedures for registering births and deaths after significant delays. The Rajya Sabha approved the legislation by voice vote on Tuesday after it had earlier cleared the Lok Sabha.
The Upper House witnessed repeated disruptions during the discussion, with Opposition members demanding the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and raising separate issues related to allegations surrounding donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Despite the protests, the government proceeded with the debate and passage of the Bill.
The amendment revises provisions of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, establishing a stricter approval process for registrations made long after the event occurred.
The government says the revised process is intended to strengthen the authenticity of official records while reducing the possibility of fraudulent or fabricated registrations.
Replying to the debate, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said the government aims to ensure that every birth and every death in the country is officially recorded.
According to the minister, complete and accurate civil registration is essential for maintaining reliable public records and preventing the continued inclusion of deceased individuals in official databases, including electoral rolls. He also accused previous governments of failing to achieve comprehensive registration coverage.
