The respondents filed O.S.No.160 of 2000 in the Court of the Principal Junior Civil Judge, Adoni against the appellants for the relief of declaration of title and recovery of possession of the suit schedule property, a residential house in H.Muravani Village of Peddakadabur Mandal, Kurnool District. They pleaded that late Smt.Sunkulamma, mother-in-law of respondent No.1 and grand-mother of respondent Nos.2 to 6, was the original owner of the suit schedule property. After her death, they have succeeded to the property. They are said to have shifted to Mumbai for livelihood and that taking advantage of the same, the appellants have broke open the lock in the year 1994 and entered into possession. Reference was made to the exchange of notices and thereafter, the suit was filed.

The appellants filed a written statement stating that they purchased the suit schedule property from one Veera Reddy under a sale deed, dated 11.02.1970. It was urged that Smt.Sunkulamma was indebted to P.Veera Reddy and as an adjustment of the debt, Sunkulamma orally sold the said property to him. They have also raised the plea of adverse possession.

The trial Court decreed the suit through judgment,