Judgment

Rajendra Babu, J.-This appeal arises out of certain proceedings initiated by two rival claimants, namely, the appellant on the one hand and respondents 2 to 4 on the other before the Tehsildar under the Karnataka Village Offices Abolition Act, 1961 (hereinafter re­ferred to as “the Act”). The Act was brought into effect from 1st February, 1963. The Tehsildar made an order on 22nd July, 1981 re-granting the `Neeraganti’ Inam Lands comprised in survey Nos. 33, 38, 41 and 130 of Yeliyur village and Survey No. 49 of Yerehalli village in favour of the appellant. Aggrieved by that order, the respondents 2 to 4 preferred an appeal to the District Judge in respect of Neeragan­ti Inam lands. On appeal the learned District Judge allowed the appeal and set aside the grant made in favour of the appellant. At the same time, the learned District Judge also held that respondents 2 to 4 are not descendants of the original barawardar and thus are not holders of village office. He also held that they did not perform the duties of village office of Neeraganti at any time much less did they held the lands attached by way of inam to that office. One Rawala Ninga was the owner of original barawa