THE REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS BILL 2012

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2012 seeks to amend the
Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (18 of 1969) so as to provide for registration of
marriages irrespective of religion professed and practiced by the parties to the marriage. At
present the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 provides only for the regulation of
registration of births and deaths and for matters connected therewith.
 2. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in Seema Vs. Ashwani Kumar (AIR 2006 SC 1158) in its
judgment dated 14-02-2006 has directed the Government that marriages of all persons who
are citizens of India belonging to various religious denominations should be made
compulsorily registrable in their respective States where such marriages are solemnised and,
inter alia, directed that as and when the Central Government enacts a comprehensive statute,
the same shall be placed before that Court for scrutiny.
3. The Committee on Empowerment of Women (2006-2007) in its Twelfth Report
(Fourteenth Lok Sabha) on Plight of Indian Women Deserted by Non Resident Indian (NRI)
Husbands presented to Lok Sabha on the 13th August, 2007, has, inter alia, expressed the
view that all marriages, irrespective of religion should be compulsorily registered and desired
that the Government to make registration of all marriages mandatory, making the procedure simpler, affordable and accessible.


Draft Bill

NEW LAW TO BE IN FORCE SOON, FOR THE REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN INDIA- IRRESPECTIVE OF RELIGION