Q My aunt had applied for a legal heir certificate and the same was issued to her by the Chennai Tahsildar on the 30th of June 2005. It is now that she realised that there are spelling mistakes in the names of the legal heirs. She contacted the Tahsildar (who issued the certificate), but the official refused to correct the name and said that it could not be done now. The Tahsildar further suggested getting the legal heir certificate cancelled at the District Revenue Office and applying for a fresh legal heir certificate online. Sir, I would like to know, whether this is the right method. If the Tahsildar refuses to correct the spelling mistake, what is the remedy? — Thomas S, Chennai

The tahsildar is correct in saying so. Normally, the administrative authorities have no vested power to either correct their orders or review their orders. Whereas any court has unlimited power to make corrections of a clerical nature. Therefore, as the tahsildar suggested, file an appeal before the appellate authority (DRO) and get a direction to issue a corrected legal heir certificate.