JUDGMENT

Satish Chandra Sharma, C.J.

1. The present Letters Patent Appeal is arising out of Judgment dated 14.08.2020 passed by the learned Single Judge in W.P.(C.) No. 5573/2002 titled Maharaja Ranjit Singh Gaekwad v. UOI and Ors and W.P.(C.) No. 1909/2008, titled Srimant Sangram Sinh Pratap Singh Gaekwad v. UOI and Ors.

2. The facts of the case reveal that the appeals have been preferred by Maharaja Ranjit Singh Gaekwad (now deceased) through his legal representatives who are aggrieved by the Judgment of the learned Single Judge.

3. The undisputed facts reveal that Maharaja Ranjit Singh Gaekwad (hereinafter referred to as 'the Maharaja') was the second son of Late Maharaja Sir Pratap Singh Gaekwad who was the erstwhile ruler of Baroda State. The late Maharaja had signed the Instrument of Merger with the Union of India on 21.03.1949 and, as per the terms of the Covenant, the private properties belonging to Maharaja were to be retained by the Maharaja of Baroda and, other properties, which were not his personal properties, became the exclusive properties of Government of India.

4. The Instrument of Merger, as stated earlier was signed on 21.03.1949, was executed between the Advi