What is a Succession Certificate?
A Succession Certificate is a document that is granted by a civil court to the legal heirs of a deceased who dies without leaving a will. It is granted by the court to realize the debts and securities of the deceased. It is issued by the government, usually to establish a relationship for claims relating to Insurance, pension, retirement benefits or service benefits of central and state government departments, Government undertakings etc.
According to Section 372 of the Hindu Succession Act, in order to obtain a succession certificate in Civil Court, the legal heirs can apply for a petition to the District Judge within whose jurisdiction the deceased person ordinarily resided.