Family tree versus succession certificate

You have to obtain and get succession certificate.  There is no other way to get the FD money from the Bank.  So, instead of wasting time, better take steps to apply for and obtain the succession certificate.

You had the option of not opening FDR in the name of deceased and without nomination if it was not suitable, and also to inform the bank of deficiencies or oversight if any.

That was not done since 2015.

Your logics may not cut ice with bank.

You may familiarize yourself with guidelines of regulator RBI in case of ‘Deceased Depositor A/c ‘ and internal rules of Bank on the lines of guidelines by regulator………..

These are available on website of Bank,RBI

RBI; Master Circular on Customer Service in Banks

20.Settlement of claims in respect of deceased depositors – Simplification of procedure

20.2 Accounts without the survivor / nominee clause

https://www.rbi.org.in/scriptts/bs_viewmascirculardetails.aspx?id=9008#202

“In case where the deceased depositor had not made any nomination or for the accounts other than those styled as "either or survivor" (such as single or jointly operated accounts), banks are required to adopt a simplified procedure for repayment to legal heir(s) of the depositor keeping in view the imperative need to avoid inconvenience and undue hardship to the common person.  In this context, banks may, keeping in view their risk management systems, fix a minimum threshold limit, for the balance in the account of the deceased depositors, up to which claims in respect of the deceased depositors could be settled without insisting on production of any documentation other than a letter of indemnity.”

The funds may be above threshold limit.

The Bank/banker senior officials may agree to accept Legal Heir certificate/affidavit per procedure alongwith claim form and annexures i.e. death certificate, disclaimer, indemnity,sureties....and still pay...

In case the Bank/banker is considerate it may agree otherwise upon checking the death certificate and date on FDR ( which arouses suspicion) it may send for legal opinion. 

Therefore right now you may attach legal heir adffidavit/certificate and check if bank agrees to pay  on strength of above mentioned docs.............

If it does it is quick and easy.

Rest you may settle with other legal heirs as deemed fit and possible.

Thanks Narayanan,

1. Would you be able to tell me, what would be the next step from my side. As usual bank is not giving me proper response.

2. How would I be able to force the bank to accept notorized affidavit.

3. I am afraid bank might deny to me for accepting any document otherthan succession certificate. If it is so, what can be said or done?

Thanks and appreciate your response.

Mrinmay