Taking serious note of corrupt practices in issuance of legal heirship certificates, the Madras High Court has ordered criminal prosecution against those who seek such certificates by suppressing vital information, and also against government officials who issue these certificates in collusion with such applicants.
Justice S.M. Subramaniam has directed the Commissioner of Revenue Administration to issue a circular within five weeks instructing all revenue officials across the State to lodge police complaints whenever they come across any application having been filed for a legal heirship certificate without the disclosure of proper information.
The direction was issued while disposing of a writ petition filed by M. Marannan of Coimbatore. The petitioner had challenged an order passed by the Mettupalayam Tahsildar rejecting his request for issuance of a legal heirship certificate to him, pursuant to the death of his father, Maranna Gowder.
