A court in Uttar Pradesh’s Banda has directed the municipal administration to identify the officials responsible for a nine-month delay in issuing a woman’s death certificate and take legal action against those found responsible. The Permanent Lok Adalat described the prolonged delay as serious departmental negligence and ordered an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the lapse.

The matter came before the court after the woman’s death certificate was not issued for nine months, despite the requirement for the document to be provided through the municipal administration. The prolonged delay prompted judicial intervention, with the court seeking accountability from the officials involved in processing and issuing the certificate.

During the proceedings, the court took note of an allegation that an official had sought an oral bribe in connection with the issuance of the death certificate. The allegation was also ordered to be examined as part of the inquiry. The court’s direction means that the municipal administration will have to establish what caused the delay and determine whether any officials were responsible for the lapse.

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The Permanent Lok Adalat termed the matter serious and directed the authorities to investigate the conduct of the officials concerned. The administration has been asked to identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action based on the findings of the inquiry. The proceedings place emphasis on determining accountability rather than treating the delay as a routine administrative issue.

The case highlights the problems that can arise when essential civic documents are not issued within a reasonable period. A death certificate is required for several official and legal purposes, including settling records and completing procedures related to a deceased person. In this case, the nine-month delay became the subject of judicial scrutiny after the applicant approached the legal forum for relief.

The court’s directions now require the municipal administration to complete the inquiry into the delay and the bribery allegation and determine responsibility among the officials involved. Any further action will depend on the findings of the departmental investigation and the evidence concerning the alleged demand for money.

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