Is merely mentioning the children of my deceased defendant in my petition as her legal heirs exempt them from proving themselves as the legal heirs of my deceased defendant

In the scenario you have described, merely mentioning the children of your deceased defendant in your petition as her legal heirs may not necessarily exempt them from having to prove themselves as the legal heirs of the deceased defendant. In legal proceedings, the burden of proof typically lies with the party making a claim, which in this case would be the legal heirs claiming inheritance from the deceased defendant.

Under Indian law, for the children of the deceased defendant to establish themselves as the legal heirs entitled to inherit the assets of the deceased, they may still need to provide documentation and evidence to support their claim of being the rightful legal heirs. This could include documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any other relevant documents establishing their relationship with the deceased defendant.

It is important to note that each case is unique and may require different forms of evidence to establish legal heirship. It is advisable to consult with a legal expert who specializes in inheritance laws to understand the specific requirements and procedures applicable to your situation.