Kerala asks the Centre to cut the seven-year wait for a death certificate for those lost at sea

15 October 2026

Kerala has formally asked the Union Government to amend the law so that the seven-year waiting period before a death certificate can be issued for a person lost at sea is reduced. Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor said this in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, replying to questions from M. Vincent and C.R. Manoj. Under the law as it stands, a death certificate for a missing person can be issued only after seven years have passed since the disappearance, which the Government said causes serious hardship to fishing families. Cases in which seven years have already passed will be taken up urgently. Jobs for the families of those who died in the Ockhi disaster will be considered on the basis of educational qualifications. Compensation for fishermen who lost boats and nets in accidents involving ships and containers will be speeded up; a related case is pending before the High Court.