Next of Kin Certificate in Punjab – Process, Fees & Documents

The Next of Kin Certificate, also known as a Legal Heir Certificate, is a crucial document issued by district administrations across India, including Punjab.

It serves to establish the legal relationship between the deceased and their heirs, making it essential for inheritance claims, pension benefits, property transfers and other official matters.

Purpose and Eligibility

This certificate is primarily used to identify who will inherit assets when a person dies without leaving a will or naming nominees. Eligible applicants include immediate family members such as spouses, children, parents, siblings.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• The applicant must be the deceased person’s wife, husband, mother, father, daughter, son, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephewor niece.

Documents Required

To apply for this certificate in Punjab:

• Death Certificate of the deceased person.
• Valid documents proving your relationship with the deceased (e.g., Voter ID/Birth/Marriage Certificates).
• A Self-Declaration Affidavit.

While specific guidelines for Punjab might not be detailed online like those for Assam or Delhi, these documents are generally required across states.

Application Process

Through CSC

1. To Apply for Next of Kin Certificate the applicant has to approach respective “CSC” centre
   • Note: The applicant has to select state, district and block name from the drop-down menu or the applicant has to click on their respective district to find nearby centres.
2. Please visit the centre and consult with the centre operator for your requirement.
3. If the operator issues an application form, then collect it and pay the requisite fee. Please complete the application form.
4. Now, submit the completed application along with the required documents as per the “Required Documents” section of this page. It is advised to take the documents in original to the kiosk for scanning purposes.
5. The operator will process the application online. On successful submission, the applicant will receive an application number as acknowledgement. The applicant will also get a transaction number as a text message on their registered mobile number.
6. Applicants have to make necessary payment as centre operator quotes and don’t forget to take the receipt.
7. This application will be forwarded to the respective department for further processing.
8. ”SMS” triggered update on application status will be sent to the applicant’s mobile. Please keep track of the notification.
9. The submitted application will be processed by the department. A designated authority (supply officer) will verify the submitted documents and inspect the area of the applicant to clarify the applicant’s details.
10. Based on the outcome of the above-mentioned steps and other internal processing, the designated issuing authority will decide on the issuance of the Certificate.
11. The status, viz. Approval or Rejection will be conveyed to the applicant through an “SMS” or applicable norms.

Online Application

Though specific details on online applications in Punjab are not readily available like those in Assam1, you can typically apply through state-specific e-District services:

1. Visit your state’s e-District portal; register if needed.
2. Fill out the form and upload required documents.
3. Track status using your application reference number.

Offline Application

Visit Deputy Commissioner/SDO offices:

1. Collect application forms from facilitation centers.
2. Submit filled forms with required documents at designated counters.

Office Details for Next of Kin Certificate in Chandigarh

Office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Chandigarh

Address: Estate Office Building, Sector 17, Chandigarh, 160017
Phone Number: +91-172-2700109
Fax: +91-172-2700092
Email: dc-chd@chd.nic.in

The DC oversees revenue matters, including issuance of certificates like Next of Kin. You can apply here or be directed to the appropriate SDM.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Office, Chandigarh

Address: SDM (Central), Additional Deluxe Building, Sector 9-D, Chandigarh, 160009
Phone Number: +91-172-2740190 (SDM Central Office)
Email: sdmcentral-chd@chd.nic.in

Contact this office for applications within central Chandigarh sectors. For SDM East or South, call the DC office to confirm jurisdiction-specific numbers.

Fees

Base Application Fee: ₹50 to ₹500.

Service Charges (if applied online):

• Service Charge: ₹30–₹50 (common for e-Sewa Kendra transactions).
• Printing Charge: ₹10 per page (if documents are printed at the center).
• Scanning Charge: ₹5 per page (if documents need scanning).

Affidavit and Stamp Duty:

• Stamp Paper: ₹10–₹100 (depending on the value specified by the notary, usually ₹20 in Chandigarh).
• Notary Fee: ₹50–₹200 (varies by notary public).

Total Estimated Cost:

• Offline Application (SDM/DC Office): ₹50–₹500 (base fee) + ₹60–₹300 (affidavit costs) = ₹110–₹800.
• Online Application (via e-Services): ₹50–₹500 (base fee) + ₹30–₹50 (service charge) + ₹15–₹30 (printing/scanning) + affidavit costs = ₹155–₹880.

Affidavit for Next of Kin Certificate

The undersigned, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:

 1. That I am the next of kin of _______________________________, who died on or about the ______day of ______________________, 20_____.

 2. That the decedent did not leave a surviving spouse 

3. That no personal representative has been appointed for the decedent’s estate in this state or elsewhere and no application for such an appointment is pending in this state or elsewhere.

 4. That this affidavit is made in support of the undersigned’s request for the release of medical records. Further, your affiant sayeth naught.

 SIGNATURE: ________________________________________________________________ PRINTED NAME: _____________________________________________________________ RELATIONSHIP: _____________________________________________________________ Subscribed and sworn to before me on the ________day of _____________________, 20_____. 

Notary Public Signature: ________________________________________________________

Verification and Validity

Once issued, digitally signed certificates can be verified online at respective state portals like eServices Punjab. The certificate remains valid lifelong but requires processing within about 30 days after submission.

In summary, obtaining a Next of Kin Certificate in Punjab involves straightforward steps both online and offline with necessary documentation ensuring legal heirs receive rightful entitlements efficiently.

If you have any questions or need further clarification on applying for this certificate feel free to ask!

Additional Insights on Legal Processes in Punjab

Punjab has implemented various legal frameworks to streamline processes related to succession certificates through acts like The Punjab Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act 2021.

This act aims to provide an efficient mechanism for issuing succession certificates while reducing fraud and forgery by utilizing modern verification methods such as biometric verification.

For death certificates specifically:

• In urban areas: Municipal Corporation/Committee offices handle applications.
• In rural areas: Civil Surgeon’s office acts as District Registrar (Births & Deaths).

These processes highlight how administrative procedures are structured within different regions of India to ensure smooth legal transitions following someone’s passing.

ezyLegal’s Next of Kin Certificate Service in Other Cities of Punjab

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Frequently Asked Questions on Next of Kin  Certificate 

Q1. What is a Next of Kin Certificate and why is it needed?

Ans1. A Next of Kin Certificate, also called a Legal Heir Certificate, is a legal document that establishes the relationship between a deceased person and their heirs. It is essential for inheritance claims, property transfers, pension benefits and other legal matters.

Q2. Who can apply for a Next of Kin Certificate in Punjab?

Ans2. Immediate family members such as spouses, children, parents and siblings are eligible to apply for a Next of Kin Certificate in Punjab.

Q3. What documents are required for a Next of Kin Certificate in Punjab?

Ans3. The required documents include the Death Certificate of the deceased, proof of relationship (e.g., Voter ID, Birth/Marriage Certificate) and a Self-Declaration Affidavit.

Q4. How can I apply for a Next of Kin Certificate online in Punjab?

Ans4. While specific details may vary, applicants can usually apply through the Punjab e-District portal by registering, filling out the application form, uploading required documents and tracking the application online.

Q5. Can I apply for a Next of Kin Certificate offline in Punjab?

Ans5. Yes, you can apply offline by visiting the Deputy Commissioner’s or SDO office, collecting the application form and submitting it along with the necessary documents.

Q6. What are the fees for a Next of Kin Certificate in Punjab?

Ans6. The fees may vary, but they typically include a service charge of around Rs 30, along with additional charges for printing and scanning if applicable.

Q7. How long does it take to process a Next of Kin Certificate in Punjab?

Ans7. The processing time is usually around 30 days after the application is submitted with all required documents.

Q8. How can I verify the authenticity of a Next of Kin Certificate in Punjab?

Ans8. Digitally signed certificates can be verified online through state portals such as eServices Punjab by entering the certificate details.

Q9. Is a Next of Kin Certificate valid for a lifetime?

Ans9. Yes, once issued, a Next of Kin Certificate remains valid for a lifetime unless there is a legal requirement for updates or modifications.

Q10. What is the difference between a Next of Kin Certificate and a Succession Certificate in Punjab?

Ans10. A Next of Kin Certificate establishes the legal heirs of a deceased person, whereas a Succession Certificate, governed by The Punjab Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act 2021, is specifically required for claiming movable assets such as bank accounts and securities.