The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 29, 2026, has been passed by Parliament. The legislation amends the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, with a key change concerning the authority empowered to register births and deaths reported after a significant delay.
Key Amendment: Delayed Registration Authority
Under the principal Act of 1969, the registration of a birth or death for which information is provided to the Registrar after one year of its occurrence requires a formal order. Previously, such an order could be issued by a District Magistrate, a Sub-Divisional Magistrate, or an Executive Magistrate authorised by the District Magistrate, following verification of correctness and payment of the prescribed fee.
The 2026 Amendment Bill alters this framework for cases involving longer delays. Specifically, the amended law now provides that for a delay of more than two years, the order for registration may be issued only by a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class. This change shifts the authority for approving significantly delayed registrations from the executive magistracy to the judicial branch, introducing a higher level of judicial scrutiny for such matters.
The amendment is expected to streamline the process for delayed registrations while ensuring greater legal oversight. Legal practitioners should note the revised threshold and the specific judicial authority now mandated for cases falling within the extended delay period.
