India, Nov. 3 -- Sir,

This refers to the news item titled "Unclaimed Bank Deposits Drive" in SOM dated Oct. 30.

Unfortunately, so many deposits and accounts are lying either dormant or unclaimed. This is probably because nominations are not registered or the addresses of nominees are not updated when they change residence.

The same issue applies to account holders. Many people in India do not make wills and even when they do, they often get them notarised instead of registered.

While it is a settled fact that even a last-minute handwritten will or a notarised will is legally valid, many banks and even Government Departments accept only registered wills.

Furthermore, even a registered will has to be probated in a District Court, a pro...