JUDGMENT

S. C. AGRAWAL, J.:—This appeal is directed against the judgment and decree dated March 10, 1977 of the High Court of Kerala. It arises out of a suit filed by respondents Nos. 1 to 6 against the appellant and respondent No. 7 for redemption and recovery of possession of property consisting of 25 cents of land in Valiyaveetuparamba in Nagaram Amson, District Kozhikode, and the buildings and the machinery of the Flour Mill standing on the said land.

2. The land and the buildings belong in Jenm to the Vettath Tarwad who leased out the same in or about 1939 to Sivarma Iyer, respondent No. 2 on a rent of Rs. 40/ - per mensem. Late C. N. Rama Iyer, father of respondents Nos. 1 to 5 and husband of respondent No. 6 started a flour mill known as Sivaram Mills on the said premises in or about 1940 and for that purpose, he installed an engine and necessary plant and machinery and also made some further constructions over the land. C. N. Rama lyer died on May 21, 1953 and after his death, respondents Nos. 1 to 5 entered into an agreement with the appellant on February 7, 1954 whereunder the appellant advanced Rupees 4,500/- to respondents Nos.1 to 5 and respondents Nos. 1 to 5 agreed to