Pune: The Maharashtra state government has ordered the immediate suspension of birth and death certificate registrations for cases delayed by over a year. This decision comes in the wake of reports alleging the issuance of fake certificates to Bangladeshis and Rohingyas in multiple districts.

According to the Revenue Department, district collectors across the state have been instructed to cease such registrations until further notice. The move follows a series of complaints about the misuse of powers granted under the amended Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.

Earlier, delayed birth and death registrations (beyond one year) required judicial approval. However, the central government amended the law, granting the authority to district collectors and sub-divisional officers (SDOs). This change led to significant misuse of the system, particularly in districts like Malegaon and Amravati, where reports suggest thousands of fake birth certificates were issued to Bangladeshis.

Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya brought this issue to light after meeting district collectors and highlighting the scale of the problem. Somaiya alleged that 4,318 individuals in Malegaon and 4,537 in Amravati were issued fake birth certificates based on forged documents.

In response, the state’s Revenue Department has issued a circular outlining the decision to halt delayed registrations. Complaints regarding irregularities have been forwarded to the Home Department, which has now formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.

Revenue Deputy Secretary Mahesh Varudkar stated that the SIT will conduct a detailed investigation, and further action will be taken based on its findings. The circular emphasizes the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in the issuance of official certificates.