Susheela v. The Commissioner

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 01-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ Susheela ..Petitioner Vs

1. The Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation, Ripon Building, Chennai-600 003.

2. The Registrar of Births and Deaths, The Department of Public Health, Division: 130, Zone: 10, Greater Chennai Corporation, Ripon Building, Chennai-600 003.

..Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 2nd respondent to consider and dispose of petitioner's representation dated 17.02.2026 seeking correction of the wife's name in the death certificate of Late.P.S.Murugesan (Registration No.D-2022-33- 16456-000937 dated 03.11.2022) by removing the name M.Suja and substituting the name of petitioner Susheela, within a time frame fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner :

Mr.P.Gunaraj For Respondents:

Mr.P.Dinesh Kumar Standing Counsel

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed for a direction to second respondent to consider and dispose of petitioner's representation dated 17.02.2026 seeking correction of wife's name in the death certificate of Late.P.S.Murugesan (Registration No.D-2022-33-16456-000937 dated 03.11.2022) by removing the name, M.Suja and substituting the name of petitioner viz., Susheela, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.

2. At the outset, it was submitted by the learned Standing Counsel for respondents that in the case of rival claims, as legal heirs, the appropriate remedy is only before a civil court. However, in any event, he would submit that petitioner's representation dated 17.02.2026 would be considered, after issuing notice to petitioner, M.Suja, in whose name the death certificate has been presently issued and any other interested party and appropriate orders would be passed, which was agreed to by learned counsel for petitioner. Learned Standing Counsel would reiterate that in the event of rival claims, the appropriate remedy is to approach the civil court,

3. In view thereof, there shall be a direction to second respondent, to consider petitioner's application dated 17.02.2026 on its own merits and pass appropriate orders, in accordance with law, after affording reasonable

opportunity of hearing to petitioner, M. Suja (Address:9/3, Gangai Amman Kovil, 4th Cross Street, Alagiri Nagar, Vadapalani, Chennai-26) and any other interested persons, within a period of eight (8) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any views with regard to the merits of the case.

4. Accordingly, writ petition stands disposed of. There will be no order as to costs.

01-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order MRN To

1. The Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation, Ripon Building, Chennai-600 003.

2. The Registrar of Births and Deaths, The Department of Public Health, Division 130, Zone 10, Greater Chennai Corporation, Ripon Building, Chennai-60 003.

MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ, J.

MRN 01-06-2026