A death certificate contains essential information such as the time, place, and details of an individual's passing. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the process involved in obtaining a death certificate in Maharashtra.
In adherence to the Registration of Birth & Death Act, 1969 regulations, every death in Maharashtra necessitates reporting to the state government. The issuance of death certificates in Maharashtra falls under the jurisdiction of the following state departments:
- Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
- Rural Development Department
- Urban Development Department
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Did you know? The process for registering birth and death in India is outlined in the Registration of Birth & Deaths Act, 1969. Every death must be reported to the relevant State Governments within 21 days of its occurrence, per the provisions of this registration act. |
Why Do You Need a Death Certificate?
Obtaining a government-issued Maharashtra death certificate is necessary for the following reasons –
- A death certificate acts as proof of death, as it conveys the cause of death
- A death certificate furnishes details related to the time and place of death of a person
- A death certificate may be required to be submitted to relieve the deceased from legal, social, and official obligations
- In matters relating to property inheritance, a death certificate acts as the most important document required to facilitate succession.
- In order to obtain life insurance and other benefits, family members need to furnish a government-issued death certificate
Who Is Responsible for Registering a Death in Maharashtra?
- The head of the family is responsible for registering a death, in case the death occurs in the house
- If a death occurs in a hospital or medical institution, the medical in charge of the institution is responsible for registering the death
- If a death occurs in jail, the head jailer is responsible for registration
- The head of an area or local police station in charge can register the death if a newborn child or body is found deserted in an area.
- The person-in-charge person needs to register a death in case the death occurs in a hostel, choultry, Dharamsala, boarding-house, lodging house, tavern, toddy shop, barrack or public resort,
- The superintendent of a plantation can register the death, in case death occurs on a plantation.
Registration of Death: Conditions
In Maharashtra, a death must be reported to the local registrar’s office within 21 days of the death to be considered official. Only if the death’s details are recorded in the Maharashtra Death Records will a death certificate be provided.
Delay in Registration of Death: The Solution
An affidavit detailing the reason for the delay in registration must be submitted to the competent Registrar of that region if the registration is not completed within 21 days of its occurrence.
Documents Required to Obtain a Death Certificate in Maharashtra
- Declaration by a close relative or family member in the prescribed format
- Address Proof of deceased (voter ID card/electricity/gas/water/ telephone bill/ passport/ration card or Aadhaar card)
Fee for Obtaining a Death Certificate in Maharashtra
A fee of ₹ 25 to ₹ 30 is levied for issuing a death certificate in Maharashtra.
Time Frame for Obtaining a Death Certificate in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, a death certificate is issued within 5 days from the date of application for registering the death.
Procedure for Death Certificate Registration Through Rural or Urban Development Department: Step by Step Guide
Follow the step-by-step guide provided here to apply for a Maharashtra death certificate through the Rural or Urban Development Department.
Step 1: Go to the official website of Aaple Sarkar.
Step 2: From the home page, select RTS. The page will automatically redirect to the new page.
Step 3: Enter your username and password to access the portal. If you are a new user, you must first register in the portal before you can apply for a certificate.
Step 4: Go to the Rural Development or Urban Development menu and select the Death Certificate option.
Step 5: Fill out all of the certificate information on the new page.
Step 6: Review the information you’ve entered and select a payment method. Take note of the application number after payment. The application will be transferred to the appropriate department.
Step 7: The applicant can check the status of his or her application by going to the Aaple Sarkar website.
After the application has been approved, the applicant can obtain the death certificate from the Aaple sarkar gateway.
Online Method of Death Certificate Registration: Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Open the Birth and Death Registration online portal. In case of a death that occurred in the deceased’s house, click on the link for registration.
Step 2: Log in to the portal for registration.
Step 3: Fill up all the necessary details and click on submit.
Step 4: Print this application form and submit it to the appropriate Registrar.
Step 5: After submitting the application successfully, the applicant will receive a confirmation email to the registered email address.
Step 6: Thereafter the application’s status will also be updated via email.
Note – An applicant can obtain a death certificate within 5 days of registering the death.
Death Registration Offline Method
Navigating the death registration process in Maharashtra offline involves a systematic approach to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you through the procedure:
Visit the Local Municipal Office
Initiate the process by visiting the local municipal office in Maharashtra where the death occurred. This is typically the first point of contact for offline registration.
Collect the Required Forms
Obtain the death registration form from the municipal office. This form is essential for documenting details related to the deceased and the circumstances of the death.
Provide Necessary Information
Complete the form with accurate information, including the deceased person’s name, date and place of death, and details of the next of kin. Ensure the data is legible and correct to avoid any discrepancies.
Attach Supporting Documents
Prepare and attach supporting documents, such as the medical certificate of the cause of death issued by a registered medical practitioner. This document is crucial for the registration process.
Visit the Registrar’s Office
Submit the completed form along with the supporting documents to the Registrar’s office. The Registrar is typically stationed at the municipal office and plays a pivotal role in the registration process.
Verification Process
The submitted information undergoes a verification process by the Registrar. This step ensures the accuracy of the details provided and compliance with legal requirements.
Witness the Registration
Once the verification is successful, the registration is carried out, and you may be required to sign the official records as a witness to the registration process.
Receive the Death Certificate
After completing the registration, you will be issued a death certificate. This document serves as an official record of the death and is often required for various administrative purposes.
Corrections in Death certificate
Ensuring accuracy in a death certificate is crucial for legal and administrative purposes. If you need to make corrections, follow this step-by-step guide to navigate the process effectively:
Visit the Nearest Common Service Centre
Initiate the correction process by visiting your nearest common service centre. These centres streamline administrative tasks and can assist you in making corrections to the death certificate.
Required Documents
Gather the necessary documents for correction:
- Declaration by the nearest relative (parents/children/spouse) with verification by two Gazetted Officers.
- Notary affidavit on a ₹ 10 non-judicial stamped paper.
- Return the original death certificate(s) already obtained.
- Provide documentary evidence such as educational certificates, election ID card, ration card, passport, driving licenses, marriage certificate, LIC policies, caste certificates, etc.
- Consent letter from the concerned hospital supporting the correction.
Additional Documents for Specific Cases
- In case of a Medico Legal death, include the post-mortem report and Form-2 from the concerned police station.
- Present any other child certificates if applicable.
Declaration Verification
Ensure the declaration by the nearest relative is true and correct. Gazetted Officers must verify this declaration, with their names written in capitals.
Notary Affidavit
Prepare a notary affidavit on a ₹ 10 non-judicial stamp paper. This legal document affirms the correctness of the corrections sought.
Return Original Death Certificates
Submit the original death certificate(s) already obtained, as they will be updated to reflect the corrections.
Consent Letter from Hospital
Obtain a consent letter from the concerned hospital supporting the corrections. This ensures that the medical details align accurately with the intended corrections.
Submission and Verification
Submit all the required documents to the common service centre. The authorities will verify the details and initiate the correction process.
Follow-Up
Stay informed about the progress of the correction process. Frequent follow-ups can help expedite the completion of the necessary amendments.
Receive the Updated Certificate
Once the corrections are processed, collect the updated death certificate. This revised document will accurately reflect the corrected information.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, obtaining a death certificate in Maharashtra involves a systematic process regulated by various state departments. Whether through the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Rural Development Department, or Urban Development Department, ensuring legal compliance is paramount.
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FAQ’s:
How long does it take to receive a death certificate after the application is submitted in Maharashtra?
The processing time for a death certificate in Maharashtra varies. Typically, you can expect to receive the certificate within 21 days after submitting the application. However, factors such as verification and documentation may influence the timeline.
Can a death certificate be obtained for deaths that occurred outside Maharashtra but involve residents of the state?
Yes, residents of Maharashtra can obtain a death certificate for deaths that occurred outside the state. The application process involves providing necessary documents and details related to the deceased.
What information is typically included in a death certificate issued in Maharashtra?
A Maharashtra death certificate typically includes essential details such as the name of the deceased, date and place of death, cause of death, and other relevant information required for legal and administrative purposes.
In case of errors or discrepancies in the information on a death certificate, how can corrections be made?
Corrections in a death certificate can be made by visiting the municipal office. Submit a written application detailing the errors along with supporting documents. The authorities will verify the information before processing corrections.
Can family members or legal representatives of the deceased apply for the death certificate, and what documents do they need?
Family members or legal representatives can apply for a death certificate. They need to submit the deceased person's medical certificate, address proof, identity proof, and the application form duly filled out.
Can I track the status of my death certificate application online, and where can I find this information?
Yes, you can track the status of your death certificate application online through the official portal. This feature provides transparency and allows applicants to monitor the progress of their applications.
What is the validity period of a death certificate in Maharashtra, and is there a need for renewal?
A death certificate in Maharashtra does not have a validity period, and there is no requirement for renewal. Once issued, it serves as a permanent legal document.
Are there any special provisions for obtaining a death certificate for stillborn infants in Maharashtra?
Yes, special provisions exist for obtaining a death certificate for stillborn infants. The application process involves providing medical certificates and relevant details, allowing families to formalise documentation for their records.
Can a death certificate be obtained if the cause of death is under investigation, and what are the considerations in such cases?
A death certificate can be obtained for cases under investigation, but the process may involve additional considerations. Authorities may issue a provisional certificate, subject to the conclusion of the investigation.
Can a death certificate be obtained for deaths that occurred several years ago in Maharashtra?
Yes, you can obtain a death certificate for deaths that occurred several years ago in Maharashtra. The process involves submitting an application along with necessary documents to the municipal office, facilitating the issuance of historical death records.
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