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When a fixed deposit (FD) holder dies without naming a nominee, families often assume the money is stuck or lost in legal complexity. Indian banking rules allow legal heirs to claim such deposits, provided they submit the right documents and follow the due process. Understanding this distinction is crucial, especially as a large number of deposits remain unclaimed each year due to a lack of awareness.

The intricacies of cross-border transactions could overwhelm, as the process has to be planned from the perspective of transfer pricing and double taxation. Imagine a business group operating with two associated group companies-one each operating Overseas and in India. While the overseas firm searches prospects, finalizes clients, and secures orders, the Indian arm offers software, technical, and operational support. Despite running separate operations, both companies are owned by the same promoters who own and run both businesses. From a business standpoint, this setup works quite well.

A registered Will is not automatically proof that it's genuine, the Supreme Court has clarified, reiterating that courts must look beyond registration to check whether a document truly reflects the deceased's free and voluntary wishes. The ruling comes as inheritance disputes over property, investments and family wealth are rising sharply in India.