Proof of life: On the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2026
The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2026 introduces a requirement for judicial magistrate oversight for birth registrations delayed by more than two years. While intended to curb fraud, critics argue the bill lacks clear evidentiary standards and may create barriers for disadvantaged applicants.
Why it matters
The amendment changes how citizens access essential identity documentation, potentially increasing the burden on individuals while attempting to secure the integrity of government databases.
The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2026 passed in the Lok Sabha amends Section 13(3) of the 1969 Act. In the updated framework, registrations delayed for up to two years still require a district, a subdivisional or an authorised executive magistrate’s order, but when the delay exceeds two years, a judicial magistrate is required to verify the event and pass an order. The 2023 amendment rendered birth certificates the principal, in fact near-conclusive, proof of date and place of birth for school admission, voter rolls and applications for passport, Aadhaar, driving licence and government jobs. It also allowed the Centre and States to create digital databases, and required them to share data with the Registrar General. As the certificate’s gatekeeping power grew, so did the incentive to obtain one fraudulently, leading to the 2026 amendment.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in