When a certificate is requested for a deceased person, the doctor cannot issue it as the clinical evaluation requires a living patient for examination and confirmation. Issuing such a certificate without direct assessment is medically and ethically inappropriate. The responsibility involves verifying current clinical signs, which is not feasible post-mortem without proper legal and forensic procedures. Therefore, the correct approach is to refuse the request, ensuring adherence to medical standards and legal protocols.

Reference: Principles of Forensic Medicine, Apurba Nandy, 5th Edition.