In India, legal heirs are individuals who are entitled to inherit the property of a deceased person under the applicable personal law (Hindu, Muslim, Christian, etc.) or the Indian Succession Act if no personal law applies. The legal heirs depend on the religion of the deceased: For Hindus (including Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs): Under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 (for intestate succession): Class I heirs (have first right): - Son - Daughter - Widow - Mother - Son of a predeceased son - Daughter of a predeceased son - Widow of a predeceased son - Son/daughter of a predeceased daughter - Widow of a predeceased grandson (if applicable) If no Class I heirs exist, then Class II heirs (e.g., father, siblings, etc.) inherit. For Muslims: Muslim personal law governs succession. Legal heirs may include: - Father - Mother - Spouse (husband or wife) - Children (sons and daughters) - Grandchildren (in some cases) Shares are fixed and differ between Sunni and Shia law. For Christians and Parsis: Under the Indian Succession Act, 1925: - Spouse - Children - Parents (if no children) Inheritance depends on presence of spouse and lineal descendants. General rule (if no personal law applies): The Indian Succession Act governs the distribution among the spouse, children, and next of kin.

Dear Client, Legal heirs are the individuals who have the right to inherit the assets and properties of a deceased person under applicable personal laws or the Indian Succession Act, 1925, when such a law is applicable. This term generally includes the immediate family close relatives who include the spouse, children, and parent(s), but the order of such rights and the extent of such rights depend on religion, whether the deceased died testate or intestate. Legal Heir Certificates are usually issued in pursuance of state-level legislation, and depending on the state, laws, and regulations may differ. The intent of the same will be seemingly uniform, i.e., identification of the legal heirs of a deceased person. I hope this answer helps. In case of future queries, please feel free to contact us. Thank you.