Maharashtra Government Tightens Rules: Aadhaar-Only Birth & Death Certificates to be Cancelled

Maharashtra will cancel birth and death certificates issued solely on the basis of Aadhaar cards; 16-point verification protocol rolled out to curb fake documents.

Pune|November 29, 2025: Maharashtra has introduced a major policy shift by ordering the cancellation of all birth and death certificates issued using only an Aadhaar card for verification. The decision comes after authorities flagged a surge in suspicious registrations carried out without proper supporting documents. Officials clarified that an Aadhaar card cannot serve as proof of date of birth or place of birth, and certificates issued on its basis alone will now be treated as invalid. The directive applies especially to registrations processed after the amendments made in August 2023, when new national rules reshaped how birth and death data is managed.

The government has implemented a stringent 16-point verification process that every certificate must undergo. Registrations approved without documents such as hospital records, municipal extracts, school certificates or proof of place and time of birth are required to be reviewed, corrected or withdrawn. Local officers who cleared Aadhaar-only certificates must now forward them to senior authorities for rectification. Any mismatch between the certificate details and the Aadhaar database, particularly the date of birth, is grounds for cancellation. Officials have been instructed to recover faulty certificates and, if necessary, initiate police cases in instances of suspected fraud.

Across the state, 14 districts have been identified for concentrated scrutiny due to unusually high numbers of questionable registrations. Special verification drives will soon begin, and residents holding certificates issued through simplified processes may be contacted for document checks. The government has warned that individuals who fail to surrender invalid certificates, or who cannot be traced during the verification process, may be classified as absconding, triggering further legal action.

The move aims to shut down loopholes exploited for identity manipulation, property claims, illegal benefit access and other forms of fraud. Officials say reliance on Aadhaar alone created a risk that was being misused by organised groups and intermediaries. By restoring a mandatory document-based protocol, the state hopes to strengthen the integrity of its vital records system and prevent misuse of identity details.

For citizens, the immediate impact is straightforward: anyone whose certificate was issued solely through Aadhaar verification must get it rechecked. Local municipal offices and tehsildar offices are preparing help counters to guide residents through the verification or re-registration process. Institutions such as schools, banks and government departments have also been advised to rely only on certificates confirmed through the updated verification process.

In conclusion, Maharashtra’s decision to cancel Aadhaar-only birth and death certificates marks a significant tightening of documentation rules. The strengthened protocol aims to protect the authenticity of civil records, reduce fraud and create a more reliable registration system. With audits now underway, residents are urged to verify their documents and ensure they comply with the new standards.

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