Jharkhand Death Certificate

Death certificates are legal documents issued in the event of the death of an individual. The certificate is issued to the nearest family members of the deceased by the Registrar of Death of the concerned States. In this article, we look at the procedure to apply for Jharkhand death certificate in detail. Also, know about the procedure for Jharkhand Birth Certificate.

Need for the Document

Death certificates are used for various purposes such as

To state the fact, cause and date of death
To claim life insurance
To claim pensions
In settling estates
Serve as evidence of age, gender and race of an individual
Genealogical information

Uses of the Certificate

When a death certificate is issued, the family members of the deceased can use the certificate for the following purposes:

To measure the life expectancy
To monitor infant deaths
To determine specific causes of death
To take measures to reduce communicable diseases
To monitor risk factors that cause premature death
Investigate the nature and place and occurrence of fatal diseases
To assess environmental and occupational health hazards

Death Registrations

According to the Birth and Death Registration Act 1969, every death has to be registered within 21 days of its occurrence. Depending on the place of occurrence of a death, the registering process varies.

If a death has occurred in a house, the Head of the family or the nearest relative of the child can register the death.
If a death has occurred in a Sadar Hospital/Sub-Divisional Hospital/Medical College Hospital/Referral Hospital, the Deputy Superintendent of the hospitals and officers-in-charge can register the death.
If a death has occurred in a Maternity Home and other nursing institutions, the medical officer has to register the death.
If a death has occurred in jail, the jail in-charge has to register the death.
If a death has occurred in a Dharamshala, Boarding House etc., the person-in-charge has to register the death.
If a death has occurred in a moving vehicle, the person-in-charge of the vehicle has to register the death.
If a death has occurred in an abandoned place, the Headman of the village or the person in charge of the local police station can register the death.

Documents Required

The documents that are used to apply for a death certificate has to be attested by a Gazetted Officer. Given below are the required documents that are used to apply for a death certificate:

Duly completed application form
Proof of death.
Residential Proof
Aadhaar card
An affidavit stating the place, death and time of death

Application Procedure

To apply for a Death Certificate, follow the steps below: Step 1: Approach the office The applicant has to approach the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the concerned district offices. Step 2: Obtain the form The applicant has to obtain the application form from the respective officers. Step 3: Enter the details The applicant has to enter all the required details in the application form. Step 4: Attach the Documents The applicant then has to attach all the required documents along with the application form. Step 5: Submit the Application After completing all formalities, the applicant has to submit the application to the officer. Step 6: Verification Process Upon submission of application, the authorities verify all the details given by the applicant. Step 7: Issue of Certificate After completing all the verification procedures, the applicant can collect the certificate. The issued certificate is valid for a lifetime.

Procedure for Late Registration

Deaths registered within 21 days does not require any fee. However, a fee of Rs. 5 requires to get additional copies.
If registering death after 30 days from its occurrence, requires a written permit from the Registrar and the late fee has to be paid.
If registering death after one year of its occurrence, requires an order from the Executive Magistrate and the late fee has to be paid.

Fee Structure

There is no fee required for registrations that are made within 21 days.
If registering a birth after 21 days, then the applicant has to pay a fee of Rs. 1.
If registering a birth after 30 days, then the applicant has to pay a fee of Rs. 5.
If registering a birth after one year, then the applicant has to pay a fee of Rs. 10.