Litigation Update: Suspicious Circumstances Can Invalidate A Will

The Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, in its judgment dated 17 July 2025 in Gurdial Singh (Deceased) through LR v. Jagir Kaur (Deceased) and Another, declared a will invalid due to suspicious circumstances surrounding its execution. For more details, refer to the full judgment.

Background

The dispute pertains to land originally owned by Maya Singh, who died on 10 November 1991. The appellant, Gurdial Singh, was Maya Singh's nephew, while the first respondent, Jagir Kaur, was Maya Singh's lawfully wedded wife, and the second respondent, Gurpal Singh, claimed to be their adopted son. On 27 October 1992, the suit land was mutated in favor of Jagir Kaur, and on the same day, Gurdial Singh filed a suit, propounding a will dated 16 May 1991 ("Will"), allegedly executed by Maya Singh, bequeathing the land to him. Gurdial Singh contended that Maya Singh was married to Joginder Kaur, who predeceased him, and denied Jagir Kaur's status as Maya Singh's wife and Gurpal Singh's