LALITHAMBIKA Vs. GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL COMMITTEE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) A short but interesting question emerging for consideration in this writ petition is whether a joint locker hirer is liable to secure a letter of administration or succession in order to operate the locker in the event of the death of one of the hirers.

(2.) Brief material facts for the disposal of the writ petition are summarised as follows: The first petitioner is the wife of late Sasidharan Pillai and petitioners 2 and 3 are their daughter and son. The first petitioner along with late Sasidharan Pillai, have hired a locker jointly with locker No.26 in the State Bank of India, Chadayamangalam Branch, Kollam District. It is the case of the petitioners that the hirers are keeping their valuables/gold ornaments in the said locker. Sri. Sasidharan Pillai died on 31/7/2022, evident from Exhibit P1 death certificate dtd. 8/8/2022. According to the petitioners, the death of Sasidharan Pillai was intimated to the Bank on time; and the sole legal heirs of Sasidharan Pillai are the petitioners.

(3.) Anyhow, after the death of Sasidharan Pillai, the first petitioner approached the Bank to permit her to operate or open the locker. However, the request was declined. Later, the first petitioner was intimated, as per Exhibit P3 letter dtd. 4/1/2023 by the Branch Manager, respondent No.3, that she has to secure necessary proof of legal representation in the form of Probate or Letters of Administration.