Authority: Madras High Court

Order Date: 18-09-2026

Case Overview

  • Petition: OP No. 528 of 2025 filed by Swaminathan M, elder son of the deceased S. Mahadevan, seeking a succession certificate.
  • Respondents: 1) Usha Mahadevan (widow) and 2) Yogesh Krishnan (younger son), both legal heirs of the deceased.
  • Deceased: S. Mahadevan died intestate; no will was found after diligent search.
  • Assets: 620 equity shares of Hero Motocorp Ltd (market value Rs 22,20,220) listed under Folio No. HML0031437, Share Certificate Nos. 508108 & 525173.
  • Succession duty of Rs 25,000 was paid on 06‑08‑2025.
  • Legal heirship certificate filed confirming petitioner as the only surviving Class I heir.
  • Procedural steps: General paper publication ordered on 29‑01‑2026 in "Makkal Kural" (dated 19‑02‑2026); no objections received.
  • Evidence: Petitioner examined as PW1 on 12‑08‑2026, marking Ex.P.1 to Ex.P.7.
  • Documents produced:
  • Ex.P.1 – Photocopy of Hero Honda Motors Limited share certificate No. 31618 (in name of S. Mahadevan).
  • Ex.P.2 – Photocopy of death certificate of S. Mahadevan.
  • Ex.P.3 – Computer‑generated legal heirship certificate of S. Mahadevan.
  • Ex.P.4 – Photocopy of Kfin Technologies Limited share certificate dated 06‑07‑2023 addressed to M. Swaminathan.
  • Ex.P.5 – Photocopy of Kfin Technologies Limited share certificate dated 24‑02‑2025 addressed to M. Swaminathan.
  • Ex.P.6 – Copy of the newspaper publication in "Makkal Kural" dated 19‑02‑2026.
  • Ex.P.6 – Certificate filed under Section 63(4)(c) of the BSA for electronic documents.
  • No witnesses or documents were presented by the respondents.

Final Outcome

  • The Court, satisfied by the pleadings, evidence, and completion of publication and service, ordered that a succession certificate be issued in favour of the petitioner.
  • The certificate grants the petitioner power to collect debts/securities, receive interest and dividends, and negotiate/transfer the 620 Hero Motocorp shares as described.
  • The certificate is subject to the petitioner complying with all usual formalities and registry requirements.
  • No order as to costs; all connected applications, if any, are closed.

Topics: Succession Certificate, Equity Shares, Court Order