Pune Registration Department Launches Home-Based Will Preparation Service for Senior Citizens

Pune, 2nd June 2025: In a pioneering move to help senior citizens safeguard their property rights and avoid family disputes after their demise, the Registration and Stamp Duty Department in Pune has introduced a home-visit service to assist elderly individuals in drafting and registering their Wills.

The initiative aims to ensure that property is distributed according to the wishes of the property owner, commonly known as a “mrityupatra,” and to provide legal guidance to those unaware of the formalities involved in creating a valid Will.

Senior Citizens Receive Personalized Assistance
As part of the Maharashtra state government’s 100-day administrative reform program, the Pune City District Registrar’s office has rolled out several welfare measures under the ‘Respect’ (Sairam) project targeting senior citizens. The first phase included awareness sessions at the Sonashray Old Age Home in Mohammedwadi, where officials educated residents about the importance and process of Will preparation.

In the next phase, the department will extend this service to seniors who are homebound or unable to visit sub-registrar offices in person.

Home Visit Facility for Will Registration
District Registrar Santosh Hingane explained, “Senior citizens who wish to register their Will but face mobility or health challenges can now request a home visit. They or their legal representatives need to apply at their nearest sub-registrar office to avail this service.”

Process and Requirements
-Application forms for Will registration are available online at igrmaharashtra.gov.in.
-A medical certificate confirming the applicant’s mental capacity is mandatory, even if the individual is ill.
-After application, the sub-registrar office schedules a home visit appointment within 2-3 days.
-A nominal fee of Rs. 300 is charged for the home visit service.
-The entire process is video recorded as official proof and submitted to the registrar office.
-For queries, senior citizens can contact the Sarathi Call Center at 8888007777.

Understanding the Will:
A Will is a legally recognized document specifying how a person’s movable and immovable assets will be distributed after death. Any sane adult over 18 years can draft a Will; minors or individuals lacking mental capacity cannot legally do so.

Why Draft a Will?
Creating a Will helps prevent disputes among heirs by clearly defining property distribution according to the testator’s wishes.

Guidelines for Making a Will
The Will should be written, preferably on plain paper.
Stamp duty is not mandatory.
Registration is optional but recommended for legal clarity and to avoid future conflicts.
The Will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are legally competent, not beneficiaries, and preferably older than the testator.
Obtaining a medical certificate verifying mental soundness at the time of drafting is advisable.

Fees and Legal Benefits:
The government charges a nominal registration fee of Rs. 100 at any sub-registrar office. Registered Wills serve as valid proof in courts and government offices. Certified copies can be obtained anytime during the testator’s lifetime or by heirs after death with appropriate documentation.

Flexibility to Update:
There is no legal restriction on the number of Wills a person may make. However, only the last Will executed before death is considered legally binding.

This initiative marks an important step in empowering senior citizens to manage their estate planning conveniently and with legal assurance.