The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed “The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026” by a voice vote amid heavy sloganeering by Opposition MPs, seeking the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the House.
The MPs also raised slogans on the alleged theft of donations at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
The bill aims to make amendments to the existing law, the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, to tighten the existing norms.
One of the key features of the bill is a provision mandating an order from a judicial magistrate (first class) for birth and death registrations made more than two years after the event.
No change in the old law
The government clarified that there has been no change to the existing registration system for up to one year. As before, birth or death notifications within 21 days will still be registered as normal.
But in case of delay ranging from 21 days to one year, registration can be done by paying late fee as per the prescribed rules.
What does the new bill say?
According to the new amendment bill, permission of the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or any officer appointed by them will be required for registering birth or death more than one year and within two years.