Judgment

HIDAYATULLAH, J. : In village Vanduyur of Madurai Taluk there are two blocks which bear the names Malapappapathu and Keelpappathu. The former is 28.90 acres and bears Survey No. 45 (the old Survey No. was 33 and the area 28-75 acres). The extent of the area in kanies is 21-9. The other block is Survey No. 78, area 20.88 acres (the old Survey No. was 100 and the area 20.53 acres). The extent of the area in kanies is 17-10. These lands were manyam lands, that is to say, lands held at a low assessment or altogether free in consideration of services. It is now clear from the record and indeed it is admitted on all hands that they were the subject of an inam granted in ancient times by the Rulers and that they were held for the performance of puja in Sri Meenakshi Sundareswaral Devasthanam, Madurai. In 1948 the Revenue Divisional Officer, Madurai held, after enquiry, that the inam consisted of both melwaram and kudiwaram and as the inam lands had been alienated the inam was liable to be resumed. His order was passed on April 9, 1948 and reported to be under S. 44-B of the Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act, 1927 (Madras Act 2 of 1927). The inam lands were resumed and regrante