In accordance with Section 2(f)1 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, Probate is defined as a certified copy of a will that bears the seal of a court having jurisdiction. It is a legal process through which the authority to administer the estate of a deceased individual is conferred upon the designated executor named in the will. This judicial procedure serves to ascertain the validity and authenticity of the will in a court of law. During this process, various elements, including the role of the executor, identification of beneficiaries, and assessment of the estate’s value, are determined. Ultimately, Probate provides the executor with a court-issued certification, confirming their authorization to manage the deceased’s estate in accordance with the provisions of the will. Importantly, it should be noted that even a beneficiary can be designated as an executor under the will.
Persons Ineligible for Probate:
Under Section 22 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, specific restrictions are imposed on the granting of Probate:
Minors: Probate cannot be granted to individuals who have not attained the legal age of adulthood, commonly referred to as minors.
Persons of Unsound Mind: Similarly, Probate is not available to individuals who lack the mental capacity to make sound decisions, often referred to as persons of unsound mind.
Associations of Individuals: Probate cannot be granted to any association of individuals unless that association is a company that satisfies particular conditions outlined in rules established by the State Government through official notification in the Official Gazette.
Letter of Administration:
The primary distinction between Probate and a Letter of Administration lies in the role of the executor. Probate is granted when a will designates an executor, whereas if the will does not specify an executor, the beneficiaries must apply for a Letter of Administration. This Letter of Administration grants the same administrative authority to the beneficiaries as would have been held by an executor. In cases where a person dies intestate, meaning without a will, the applicant seeking administrative rights over the deceased’s estate applies for a Letter of Administration.
Therefore, when an individual dies intestate or does not nominate an executor in their will, the Letter of Administration serves as a crucial enabling document. This legal document is granted to the beneficiaries upon application to a court of law with competent jurisdiction. It empowers the administrator with the same rights over the deceased’s estate as if the administration had been granted immediately after the person’s death.
Persons Ineligible for a Letter of Administration:
Similar to Probate, certain restrictions apply to the granting of a Letter of Administration. According to Section 23 of the Act:
Minors: A Letter of Administration cannot be granted to individuals who are minors.
Persons of Unsound Mind: Those who are of unsound mind are also ineligible to receive a Letter of Administration.
Associations of Individuals: Just like in the case of Probate, a Letter of Administration cannot be granted to any association of individuals unless it is a company that meets specific conditions as prescribed by rules in the Official Gazette by the State Government.
Mandatory Requirement for Probate/Letter of Administration:
Section 213(1) of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, establishes a mandatory requirement for every legatee or executor to obtain Probate of the will or a Letter of Administration with the will before attempting to execute the provisions of the will. Without complying with this requirement, an executor or legatee cannot establish any legal right in a court of law concerning the will and the estate mentioned in it.
However, Section 213(2) in conjunction with Section 57 of the Act provides exceptions to this mandate. These exceptions primarily apply to wills made by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, or Jains on specific dates and within specific territories, allowing for a more flexible approach in certain cases.
Succession Certificate:
A succession certificate is a legal document that confers the authority to inherit debts and securities to the legal heirs of a deceased person who died intestate. This certificate is obtained through an application to a civil court with competent jurisdiction. It essentially provides legal recognition to the rights of the deceased’s legal heirs to claim the deceased’s financial assets.
According to Section 370 of the Act, a succession certificate cannot be granted concerning any debt or security for which the rights need to be established by Probate or a Letter of Administration. In essence, a succession certificate is useful for dealing with movable assets such as bank deposits, provident funds, loans, and shares but may not be sufficient evidence to establish administrative rights over immovable properties in a court of law.
In the context of insurance policies, the amount due to the policyholder is typically paid to the heirs, legal representatives, or the holder of a succession certificate, depending on the circumstances and any disputes. However, if there is no dispute regarding the rightful recipient, the submission of a succession certificate may not be necessary.
In conclusion, Probate and a Letter of Administration are the primary documents for validating administrative rights over the estate of a deceased person, especially for immovable assets and valuable property. A succession certificate has a more limited scope, primarily applicable to movable assets and financial instruments. Understanding the distinctions and requirements of these legal documents is essential for effective estate administration.