JUDGMENT

DESAI, J.:—These two appeals by Special Leave arise from the decision rendered by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh dismissing the appeals preferred by the present appellants.

2. A few facts leading to the present appeals may be briefly stated.

3. There was a Zamindari Estate styled as Kottam (Tuni Estate) situated in Andhra Pradesh. The Zamindar inducted the Rani of Tuni, wife of the Zamindar as tenant of the lands which an the subject matter of dose two appeals, in tin year 193). Appellants are. described as sub-tenants inducted on the land by the bead tenant and we personally cultivating the same and for long have been in undisturbed possession of the same. On the introduction of the Madras Estates Abolition and Conversion into Ryotwari Act XXVI of 1948, later styled as Andhra Pradesh (Andhra Area) Estates Abolition and Conversion into Ryotwari Act 1948 (1948 Act for short), the estate vested in the State and the question arose as to who between the appellant and the respondent is the lawful ryot in respect of the holding.

4. It may be mentioned that respondents are transferees from the Rani of Tuni, the wife of Zamindar. The area covered by the deed of conveyance in favour