Petitioner must be heard in Legal Heir Certificate issuance to ensure fairness.

JUDGMENT Dated this the 28^th day of July, 2025 The writ petition has been filed by the petitioner seeking direction to respondents 2 and 3 for considering the application submitted by the petitioner in issuing the Legal Heir Certificate or Family Membership Certificate in accordance with law as related to the deceased Thankachan Daniel Thomas, who died without any children.

2. The petitioner submits that the said deceased Thankachan Daniel Thomas was conducting business at Dubai with the help of his siblings, financially and physically in all manner. There is an apprehension of manipulation related to the non-inclusion of siblings in the Legal Heir Certificate that may be happened due the political and other undue influence on the part of 4^th respondent, who is the wife of the said deceased Thankachan Daniel Thomas. It will affect the livelihood of the siblings, who invested money in the business of the said deceased Thankachan Daniel Thomas. Under these circumstances, interference of this Court is necessary for consideration of the application submitted by the petitioner while they are issuing Legal Heir Certificate or Family Membership Certificate. Hence, the petitioner is before this Court.

3. I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Senior Government Pleader representing respondents 1 to 3.

4. It is evident that application for Legal Heir Certificate submitted by one of the siblings of the deceased Thankachan is pending consideration before the 2^nd respondent. In view of the grievance raised by the petitioner, it would be only appropriate that the petitioner may also be heard in the matter before issuing any Legal Heir Certificate.

The writ petition is accordingly disposed of directing the 2^nd respondent to hear the petitioner and the 4^th respondent while finalising the issue of Legal Heir Certificate relating to the deceased Thankachan Daniel Thomas.