( 1 ) DEFENDANTS l to 3 in O. S. No. 116 of l987 on the file of the Subordinate Judge s court, Nuzvid are the appellants. The suit was instituted by the respondent herein for a declaration that she is the absolute owner of the plaint A and B Schedule properties - immovable property comprising lands and a rice mill - and gold ernaments weighing 51 grams (C Schedule) pledged with the State bank of India, Ibrahimpatnam Branch.

( 2 ) THE suit was grounded on Ex. A-1, unregistered will, dated 14-8-1987 executed by late Chanumolu Bhaskar Rao, who died on 1-9-1987. It was alleged by the-plaintiff that she was married to Bhaskar Rao on 15th March, 1978 at bhadrachalam. The first defendant (appellant No. 1) is the first wife of Bhaskar rao. Defendants 2 and 3 (appellants 2 and 3) are the son and daughter respectively of Bhaskar Rap by his first wife. For the sake of convenience, the parties are referred to in this appeal as they are arrayed in the suit.

( 3 ) THE case of the plaintiff is that her husband - Chanumolu Bhaskar Rao - had landed property in Velagaluru and Kothuru villages and a rice mill in velagaluru. The rice mill was constructed by obtaining loan from the Andhra