Sri Rama Swamy & Sri Prasanna Visweswaraswami Temple, Potegunta, Rapur Taluk, Nellore District, is the appellant. The respondents' suit, being O.S.No.42 of 1980, on the file of the Court of the Subordinate Judge, Gudur, for declaration, possession and future mesne profits was decreed on 31.12.1982. Therefore, the present appeal is filed by the defendant temple.

2. The suit schedule properties are agricultural dry lands admeasuring Acs.16.91 cents comprised in Survey Nos.391, 392, 135, 164, 168 and 109 situated at Potegunta Village of Rapur Taluk in Nellore District. Plaintiffs alleged that they belong to Barber community, rendering bhajantri service (tom-tom) in the defendant temple. Their ancestors were granted the inam in respect of suit schedule properties. After their demise, plaintiffs are in possession and enjoyment of the property till 1969. The Inam Register and Village Revenue Records also show their names as occupants. The inam was granted by the Zamindar of Venkatagiri on condition of the plaintiffs rendering bhajantri service. Defendant, which has no title to the properties, auctioned leasehold rights on 30.06.1968. Puttamreddi Bakkireddi became successful bid