[ Text of section effective until March 31, 2012. Repealed by 2008, 521, Sec. 18. See 2008, 521, Sec. 44 as amended by 2010, 409, Sec. 23 and 2011, 224.]

  Section 8. The probate court may, except while an appeal is pending, upon the application of the executor or administrator, examine under oath any person whose claim has been allowed as aforesaid unless such allowance has been made by the supreme judicial or superior court on appeal, may summon any person to give evidence relative thereto, and, upon notice, alter or expunge a claim which it finds is founded in whole or in part in fraud, illegality or mistake.