JUDGMENT :

1. Leave granted.

2. This appeal is directed against order dated 15.11.2007 passed by the learned Single Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court whereby he allowed the petition filed by the respondents under Article 227 of the Constitution of India and set aside the order passed by Appellate Tribunal-cum-Principal District Judge, West Godavari at Eluru (hereinafter described as "the Tribunal") declaring the appellant as a statutory tenant under the Andhra Pradesh (Andhra Area) Tenancy Act, 1956 (for short, "the Act").

3. Bandaru Perumallu was owner of the land situated at Venkatapuram village. The appellant is said to have been cultivating that land. After the death of Bandaru Perumallu his daughters (respondent Nos. 1 and 2) are said to have given on lease another parcel of land situated at Timmaraogudem to the appellant some time in August, 1985 for the purpose of cultivation. During the subsistence of lease, respondent No. 1 entered into agreement with respondent No. 3 for sale of her half share and respondent No. 2 executed sale deed dated 21.8.1993 in favour of respondent No. 4.

4. The appellant filed a petition under Section 16 of the Act for grant of declaration that h