JUDGMENT

K. JAGANNATHA SHETTY, J.:— This appeal with leave arising out of a judgment of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh illustrates how the "land reform" and the progressive policy of "land to the tiller" could be defeated by vested interests and lukewarm attitude of statutory authorities.

2. The relevant facts

The appellants were in possession of certain agricultural lands as tenants. After coming into force of the A. P. (T.A.) Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act. 1950 ("The Act"), they were recognised as protected tenants. A "protected tenant" means that he is protected from eviction. If he is dispossessed, the Tehsildar suo motu or on application shall put him in possession. Rev. Rutar Ford Padri and Vundru Padri were admittedly their landlords The appellants had no problem with them. It seems that they had left the country long long ago. The first respondent claims to be the Property Association of the Baptist Churches (Pvt.) Ltd. ("The Association"). The Association does not dispute that the lands were originally purchased by Rev. Rutar Ford Padri and Vandru Padri but it says that they purchased for the benefit of American Baptist Formation Society. The lands stood transferred