JUDGMENT

JASWANT SINGH, J.:—This appeal by special leave is directed against the judgment dated December 2, 1969, of the High Court of Rajasthan.

2. Briefly stated the facts giving rise to this appeal are: Maharaja Shri Udebhan Singhji 663 of Dholpur died issueless on October 22, 1954. On the day following his demise all the movable valuables possessed by him were taken over and sealed by the Government of Rajasthan because of the dispute regarding succession to the gaddi. On December 13, 1956, Maharaja Shri Hemant Singhji, the appellant herein, who was then a minor, was recognised by the Government of India as successor of the former Maharaja and the aforesaid assets which inter alia consisted of 4825 gold sovereign, 790440 old silver rupee coins and silver bars weighing 254174 tolas were released by the Rajasthan Government and handed over to Rajmata in her capacity as the adoptive mother and guardian of the appellant on March 24, 1957. During the financial year 1957-58, the aforesaid sovereigns, silver coins and silver bars were sold at the suggestion of the Government of India for a net consideration of Rupees 20,78,257/-. Overruling the contentions raised on behalf of the appel