Registration of Births and Deaths Bill, 2026

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 29 July 2026 by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai. The Bill seeks to amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 and to regulate delayed registration of births and deaths through stricter procedural requirements.

Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969

The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 is the principal law governing the compulsory registration of births and deaths in India. The Act provides the legal framework for recording vital events, which are used for identity, citizenship-related records, public health data, and civil administration.

Delayed Registration Framework

Under the proposed amendment, registrations delayed by one to two years will continue to require approval from a District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, or an Executive Magistrate having jurisdiction over the area. For delays exceeding two years, the Bill requires an order from a First-Class Judicial Magistrate.

Authority and Verification Process

The Bill transfers approval authority for delays beyond two years from the executive branch to the judiciary. It also requires the designated authority to verify the authenticity and correctness of the birth or death before issuing an order for delayed registration. A prescribed fee will apply to all delayed registrations, and the amount will be notified separately through rules under the Act.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 is the central law for civil registration of births and deaths in India.
• District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, and Executive Magistrates are executive authorities under the proposed delayed registration framework.
• A First-Class Judicial Magistrate is proposed as the approving authority when the delay exceeds two years.
• The Union Cabinet cleared the Bill for introduction on 20 July 2026.

The Bill seeks to strengthen the civil registration system and to provide a legal process for delayed birth and death records. It also introduces a fee-based and verification-based procedure for late registrations.