Fake Birth Certificates to Face Strict Scrutiny as Parliament Passes Registration Amendment Bill
Delayed registration of births or deaths beyond two years will now require approval from a Judicial Magistrate First Class to curb fraudulent certificates.
New Delhi: Parliament has passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stricter rules for delayed registration of births and deaths. The Bill was cleared by the Rajya Sabha after being passed by the Lok Sabha on July 31, and now awaits presidential assent to become law.
The amendment aims to make the birth and death registration process more transparent, secure and reliable, while preventing the issuance of fake birth and death certificates.
Key Change
Under the new provisions, any birth or death registration sought more than two years after the event will require mandatory approval from a Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC). Earlier, such delayed registrations could be approved by designated administrative authorities.
The government believes judicial oversight will strengthen legal scrutiny and significantly reduce the chances of fraudulent registrations and forged identity documents.
Why the Change?
According to the Centre, a birth certificate serves as a citizen's first legal identity document. It is essential for obtaining Aadhaar, passports, voter ID, school admissions, government benefits and several other public services.
Officials say delayed registrations without proper verification can lead to fake identities, fraud, property disputes and inaccuracies in government records. The amendment seeks to plug these loopholes.
Impact on Citizens The new rules will not affect those who register births or deaths within the prescribed time. However, individuals applying for registration after a delay of more than two years must obtain permission from a Judicial Magistrate First Class, ensuring only genuine cases are approved.
Building on the 2023 Law
The amendment strengthens the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, which introduced a national digital database and recognised birth certificates as a key document for multiple government services. The 2026 amendment further reinforces the system by tightening legal oversight of delayed registrations.