Under Section 2(f) of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, "Probate" refers to which of the following?

Explanation The Indian Succession Act, 1925 is a consolidating law that governs both testamentary succession (through wills) and intestate succession (without a will) in India, and Section 2(f) specifically defines the crucial term "Probate". Probate essentially serves as official court validation that a will is genuine, and it simultaneously empowers the named executor with legal authority to administer the deceased person's estate as per the will's terms. Section 213 further clarifies that an executor or legatee cannot enforce any right under a will in court unless probate or letters of administration has actually been granted. Probate is mandatory for wills made by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, or Jains executed after September 1, 1870, within the jurisdictions of Bengal, Bombay, or Madras, especially when immovable property is involved, but it is not required for wills made by Muhammadans. This distinction between probate, letters of administration, and a succession certificate is a frequently tested concept, since the Supreme Court has clarified that only probate or letters of administration confer full estate administration rights, unlike a mere succession certificate.