When a death occurs, it is imperative to report it to facilitate the legal procedures associated with it. A death certificate is an official document issued by the government that records a person’s death, stating the date, fact and cause of death. There are many reasons, both personal and official, as to why one might need a death certificate.
Primarily, it serves as legal proof that someone has passed away. Further, it serves as an important document to access pension benefits, claim life insurance, or settle the person’s estate. A law firm can assist in legal matters such as estate settlement and claims that arise from the issuance of a death certificate. Government authorities may also use it for investigations and on a broader level, the cause of death is used to create health policies and improve public services.
In India, it is mandatory under The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, to register every death with the concerned State/UT Government within 21 days of its occurrence. Filing it within 21 days would do away with filing additional documents and penalties for delay which would be charged depending on how long the registration is delayed. The Government accordingly has provided for a well-defined system for Registration of Death at the Centre and at the States, who implement it through local registrars.
The death has to be registered with the concerned local authorities and the application form in which is required to apply is usually available with the area’s local body authorities, or with the Registrar who maintains the Register of Deaths where the application has to be obtained, filled, and submitted accordingly.
The documents required for the death certificate process include- Proof of Birth of the deceased, an Affidavit specifying the date and time of death, a copy of the Ration Card and the required fee in the form of Court Fee Stamps.
A death can be reported and registered by the head of the family, in case it occurs in a house; by the medical in-charge if it occurs in a hospital; by the jail in-charge if it occurs in a jail; and by the headman of the village or the in-charge of the local police station in case the body is found deserted in that area.
The concerned person requesting the death certificate is required to provide evidence of relationship with the deceased and complete address with nationality.
Death Certificate can now be applied online through the National Government Services Portal.
