JUDGMENT

Dated this the 08th day of July, 2022 Petitioner's uncle Shekhara Pillai had two fixed deposits of Rs.5 lakhs each with the respondent Bank. The petitioner is named as his nominee in both deposits. Shekhara Pillai expired on 05.02.2022. Shekhara Pillai died issuless and his wife had predeceased him. Hence, there are no Class-I heirs in his line of succession. The petitioner was looking after Shekhara Pillai during his old age and her needs and requirements were being met by him. After Shekhara Pillai's death, she approached the respondent Bank for getting release of the fixed deposits. Thereupon, the bank issued Ext.P6 letter informing the petitioner that she should settle her disputes with one Rajamma and Radhakrishan, who have also raised claims for the fixed deposits. The petitioner was also asked to produce appropriate order from the competent civil court or submit legal heirship certificate. Aggrieved, this writ petition is filed.

2. Adv.Kaveri S.Thampi, learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner, contended that, since the petitioner is indisputably the nominee of the account holder, the Bank is liable to release the amounts in fixed deposit without insisting on sett