Parliament passes Bill to tighten birth, death registration norms despite Opposition protest
The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) passed The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by a voice vote, even as Opposition members disrupted proceedings with slogans demanding the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the House. The protesters also raised the issue of the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The Bill amends the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. It makes an order from a judicial magistrate (first class) mandatory for birth and death registrations that are made more than two years after the event. Under the existing law, registrations delayed by more than one year require an order from a district magistrate, sub-divisional magistrate, or an authorised executive magistrate. The amended law retains that provision for delays of up to two years, but imposes a stricter requirement for longer delays.
Replying to the debate amid continued slogans from Opposition benches, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said several members had explained the importance of the proposed legislation and urged the Opposition to understand its purpose. He said the government was committed to ensuring that every child born in the country is registered and every death is recorded. This, he argued, would prevent deceased persons from remaining on electoral rolls as "ghost voters" who could be misused by parties pursuing "appeasement politics". He further alleged that the Congress had "cheated this country through birth and death registration".
The House had been adjourned twice before the Bill was taken up in the post-lunch sitting at 2 p.m. When it reassembled, Mr. Rai moved the Bill for consideration and passage. The discussion took place amidst the din, and the Minister later responded to the debate while Opposition members continued to raise slogans demanding Mr. Shah's presence.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said the House was not functioning properly and stressed that there was only one way to run Parliament. "The Prime Minister and the Home Minister should come. We want discussion," he said. Several NDA members supported the Bill, calling it necessary. However, Opposition members, when allowed to speak, repeatedly insisted on the Home Minister's presence.
The Bill now moves to the Lok Sabha, where it will be taken up for consideration. The monsoon session of Parliament has seen repeated disruptions over various issues, including the alleged Ram Temple donation controversy and demands for discussions on key legislation.
