(L. Narasimha Reddy, J.)

The Letters Patent Appeals and the Civil Miscellaneous Appeal are the offshoots of O.S.No.54 of 1959 on the file of the Subordinate Judge, Chittoor. The subject matter of these appeals is the dispute about partition of the properties held by an affluent family in Chittoor District. The sad part of it is that two brothers were unable to agree upon the partition and their disagreement has brought about a litigation spread to three generations.

For the sake of convenience, the parties referred to, as arrayed in the suit.

One Sri Yerram Reddy had lands and other immovable properties in three villages, namely Peruyambadi, Chitra and Arambadi villages of Chittoor District. He was also doing abkari (excise) business. He had two sons by name Narayana Reddy and Chinnam Reddy. While Narayana Reddy was at Chennai undertaking studies, Chinnam Reddy was assisting his father in the administration of the properties and business.

Yerram Reddy died in the year 1937. By that time, his son Narayana Reddy was at Madras pursuing his studies. Narayana Reddy got issued a notice in the year 1937 to his brother Chinnam Reddy requiring him to bring about partition. From F