Judgment

HEGDE, J. : The question for decision in this appeal by certificate is whether the full ownership conferred on a Hindu female under Sec. 14 (1) of the Hindu Succession Act (to be hereinafter referred to as the Act ) is defeasible by the adoption made by her to her deceased husband after the Act came into force.

2. The facts relevant for the purpose of deciding that question of law may now be stated. One Somasundara Udayar of Poongavur village in Tanjavoor District died prior to 1937 leaving behind him his widow Sellathachi and two daughters Kuppaimal and Punithavalli Ammal. The properties left behind by the deceased were inherited by his widow and they were in her possession when the Act came into force on June 17, 1956. By virtue of Section 14(1) of the Act. Sellathachi became the full owner of the properties inherited by her from her husband. On July 13, 1956, she adopted the plaintiff-1st respondent in this appeal. Thereafter on June 19, 1957 she settled 9 acres 16 cents of land and half share in a house inherited by her from her husband on her daughter Punithavalli Ammal, the appellant in this appeal. The validity of this settlement deed was challenged by means of a sui