The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday approved the Registration of Birth and Death (Amendment) Bill 2026 (PTI/File)
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, which already cleared the Lok Sabha on July 31, aims to make amendments to the existing law, the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, to tighten the existing norms. The bill will now go to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent.
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.
If the registration of a birth or death is delayed by more than 2 years, then the registration can now be done only after the order of the Judicial Magistrate.
Furthermore, before granting permission, the concerned officer will have to thoroughly verify the information and documents provided, ensuring that the records are accurate and authentic. This bill aims to make the rules of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, more stringent.
Bill passed amid opposition uproar
Responding to the debate amid continuous sloganeering by opposition members, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said that many members have explained the importance of the proposed law and urged the opposition to understand its purpose.
He said the Modi government is committed to ensuring that every child born in the country is registered and every death is recorded, so that those who die do not become "ghost voters" and benefit parties practising appeasement politics. He alleged, "Congress betrayed this country through birth and death registration."
Opposition wanted discussion on the bill
When the Rajya Sabha reassembled at 2 pm after being adjourned twice, Minister of State for Home Affairs Rai moved a motion for the consideration and passage of the bill.
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The bill was discussed amid uproar and later the minister replied to the debate, while opposition members continued raising slogans demanding Shah's presence in the House.
Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the House was not functioning properly and there was only one way to run Parliament. He said, "The Prime Minister and Home Minister should come. We want a discussion." Several NDA members supported the bill, calling it necessary.
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