When someone dies without a Will, their property is inherited through intestate succession, governed by religion-specific laws. Hindus follow the Hindu Succession Act, Muslims follow Shariah law, and Christians and Parsis are covered under the Indian Succession Act, 1925.
Legal heirs must obtain a Legal Heir Certificate from the local authority and may need a Succession Certificate from a civil court to claim movable assets. For immovable property, heirs must apply for mutation at the municipal office to update ownership records. If multiple heirs are involved, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) may be required to avoid disputes.
The hierarchy of heirs varies:
Hindus: Class I heirs (spouse, children, mother) get priority
Muslims: Shares are fixed by Quranic rules
Others: Follow a defined order under the Indian Succession Act
Always consult a lawyer to ensure proper documentation and avoid delays or legal challenges.
