ORDER

Leave granted.

2. We have heard learned senior counsel for the appellant as well as learned senior counsel for respondent No. 1. Rest of the respondents though served, have not thought it fit to appear and contest the proceedings.

3. A limited notice was issued by this Court at SLP stage under our order dated 19.7.1999 which is as under :

"Notice to issue limited to the following two aspects :

1. to explore the possibility of amicable settlement, if possible; and

3. in any case to consider whether the probate proceedings can be clubbed with the Civil Suit and can be disposed of by the District Court itself."

4. It has been brought to our notice that settlement is not possible at this stage. Therefore, now remains the question whether the probate proceedings could be clubbed with the suit. Learned counsel for respondent No. 1 submitted that the civil suit is of the year 1987 and that despite various orders of the High Court, it has remained pending and the probate proceedings are initiated by the appellant in 1997 regarding the Will of 1984. Be that as it may, the decision in the probate proceedings on the question of proof of the Will, will have