The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday approved the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by a voice vote despite repeated disruptions by Opposition members, who demanded the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and raised slogans over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
The legislation, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on July 31, seeks to amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 by introducing stricter safeguards for delayed registration of births and deaths. The Bill will now be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for assent before becoming law.
A major provision of the amendment makes it mandatory to obtain an order from a Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) for registering any birth or death that is reported more than two years after the event.
The Centre clarified that the existing registration process remains unchanged for registrations made within one year. Births and deaths reported within 21 days will continue to be registered without any additional formalities, while cases reported after 21 days but within one year can still be registered by paying the prescribed late fee.
Under the amended law, registrations delayed beyond one year but within two years will require prior approval from the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), or an officer authorised by them. For delays exceeding two years, registration will only be permitted after a Judicial Magistrate issues an order.
The Bill also requires authorities to thoroughly verify supporting documents and facts before granting approval for delayed registrations, with the aim of preventing fraudulent entries and improving the authenticity of official records.
Replying to the discussion, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said the proposed amendments would strengthen the registration system and ensure that every birth and death in the country is properly recorded. He also said accurate records would help prevent the inclusion of deceased persons in electoral rolls, referring to them as “ghost voters,” and accused the Congress of failing to maintain an effective registration system in the past.
The Bill was taken up for consideration after the Rajya Sabha reconvened at 2 pm following two adjournments. Throughout the debate, Opposition members continued their protests, insisting that Home Minister Amit Shah be present in the House.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said Parliament should function through discussion and urged both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to participate in the debate. Members of the ruling NDA, however, backed the legislation, arguing that stricter verification measures were necessary to improve the integrity of birth and death registration records.