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The legal battle surrounding the estate of the late actress Sridevi continues, with her husband, film producer Boney Kapoor, taking legal action to protect her property rights. Kapoor has filed a petition with the Madras High Court, alleging that three individuals are unlawfully claiming ownership of a property in Chennai that belonged to Sridevi. The property, located on East Coast Road (ECR) and used as a farmhouse retreat by the family, has become the center of a contentious dispute, raising questions about inheritance laws, marriage validity, and the responsibilities of revenue officials in issuing legal heirship certificates. The case highlights the complexities that can arise when dealing with property rights, especially in cases involving multiple family members and contested claims. Kapoor's move to the Madras High Court underscores the importance of legally establishing and protecting one's assets, even after death. The details presented in the plea reveal a potentially fraudulent attempt to seize Sridevi’s property, highlighting the lengths to which some individuals will go to unlawfully acquire wealth and possessions. This case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and thorough legal procedures in property transactions and inheritance matters. The court's decision will likely have significant implications for the individuals involved and could set a precedent for similar cases in the future. It is essential to ensure that proper legal channels are followed and that all parties involved are treated fairly and justly. Furthermore, the case raises important questions about the role of public officials, particularly revenue officials, in verifying the legitimacy of claims before issuing legal heirship certificates. The integrity of such certificates is crucial for maintaining the integrity of property records and preventing fraudulent claims. The court’s scrutiny of the revenue official's decision to issue a legal heirship certificate to the three individuals reflects the importance of upholding the principles of due process and transparency in administrative procedures. Ultimately, the case underscores the importance of having clear and legally sound documentation to protect one's property rights and prevent potential disputes from arising. The case also brings attention to the vulnerability of estates, particularly those of celebrities, to fraudulent claims and the need for proactive measures to safeguard against such attempts. Boney Kapoor’s decision to challenge the claims through legal channels demonstrates a commitment to protecting his late wife’s legacy and ensuring that her property is rightfully preserved for her family.
The crux of Kapoor's argument rests on the circumstances surrounding the alleged marriage of one of the claimants. According to the plea, one of the three individuals claiming rights to the property is a woman who asserts that she is the second wife of one of M.C. Sambanda Mudaliar's sons. Mudaliar, from whom Sridevi purchased the property in 1988, had a family arrangement dating back to February 1960 regarding the division of the property. Kapoor contends that the woman's claim of marriage on February 5, 1975, is invalid because Mudaliar's son's first wife did not pass away until June 24, 1999. This challenge to the legality of the marriage forms a key element of Kapoor's legal strategy, as it directly undermines the woman's claim to any rights over the property. The legal validity of a marriage is a fundamental aspect of inheritance law, and Kapoor's challenge seeks to demonstrate that the claimant's marriage was not legally recognized and, therefore, she and her sons have no legitimate claim to Sridevi's property. This argument highlights the importance of adhering to legal requirements and procedures when entering into marriage and the potential consequences of failing to do so. The outcome of this aspect of the case could have far-reaching implications for other cases involving contested marriages and inheritance rights. The court's consideration of this issue will likely involve a careful examination of the evidence presented and a thorough review of the applicable laws and precedents. Kapoor's legal team will need to present compelling evidence to support their argument that the marriage was invalid and that the claimant's claims should be dismissed. The opposing side, on the other hand, will likely argue that the marriage was valid or that other factors justify their claim to the property. The resolution of this issue will play a crucial role in determining the ultimate outcome of the case.
Beyond the specific details of the marriage claim, Kapoor's plea also challenges the jurisdiction of the revenue official who issued the legal heirship certificate to the three individuals. Kapoor argues that the official lacked the authority to issue the certificate and has asked the court to revoke it. This challenge raises important questions about the powers and responsibilities of revenue officials in issuing such certificates and the need for proper verification of claims before doing so. A legal heirship certificate is a crucial document that establishes the legal heirs of a deceased person and their rights to inherit property. The issuance of such a certificate can have significant implications for property ownership and inheritance rights. Therefore, it is essential that revenue officials exercise due diligence and follow proper procedures when issuing these certificates. Kapoor's challenge to the jurisdiction of the revenue official underscores the importance of ensuring that public officials act within the scope of their authority and that their decisions are based on accurate information and sound legal principles. The court's review of this issue will likely involve an examination of the relevant laws and regulations governing the issuance of legal heirship certificates and an assessment of whether the revenue official complied with those requirements. If the court finds that the official exceeded his authority or failed to follow proper procedures, it could revoke the certificate and order a new one to be issued. This could have a significant impact on the outcome of the case and could also set a precedent for other cases involving challenges to the validity of legal heirship certificates. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, after hearing Kapoor's plea, has directed the Tambaram Taluk Tahsildar to make a decision within four weeks, indicating the court's intention to address the matter expeditiously.
Source: Boney Kapoor Moves Madras HC, Claims 3 People 'Unlawfully' Claiming Sridevi's Property