Question: One Imam made salam after doing three takbeer in Janaza salah, when he was informed about it he said it is not a problem the salah will be valid even if it is less than four takbeer. However, the deceased family would not accept that answer and therefore they had a different Imam following day and read the salah for second time again over the deceased. my question is that, is the second janaza valid?
Answer: Less than four takbeer in Janazah Salah is not valid. According to your statement, the first Janaza of three takbeer was not valid. And the second Janazah performed on the following day by another imam was valid and was in accordance with the Shariah, because if the burial took place without Janazah or if for any reason Salah became invalid then second janazah can be performed after the burial took place before the body becomes decayed.
References: [1] Bukhari vol-1:117/118 [2] Muslim vol-1:309 [3] Umdat al Qari vol-8:138 [4] Badaius Sanai vol-2:53 [5] Ad Durrul Mukhtar-2:224