Madan Kumar v. Gowri Shankar
Case brief
What is this about?
Madras High Court, C.R.P.No.708 of 2024, S.Sounthar J., 25.02.2026. Keywords: handwriting expert comparison of disputed Will; proof of Will by attesting witness; expert opinion not conclusive evidence; time gap of more than 12 years between admitted documents (Mortgage Deed 29.11.1990, Partition Deed 04.03.1988) and questioned Will dated 10.12.2003; no contemporaneous document; application under I.A.No.5 of 2023 in O.S.No.448 of 2013 (Sub Court, Ranipet) dismissed; suit for declaration and permanent injunction; testator R.Krishnamoorthy; petitioner Madan Kumar (4th plaintiff); respondents including Gowri Shankar Srinivasan (died); revision dismissed, no costs; connected C.M.P.No.3564 of 2024 closed.
What did the court decide?
A Will must be proved by examining one of the attesting witnesses to the document; accordingly, the opinion of a Handwriting Expert is not conclusive evidence in cases involving a Will and shall not be resorted to unless warranted by the facts and circumstances of the case.