N.V. Balasubramanian, J.

This appeal arises out of a suit for partition in O.S.No.75 of 1986 on the file of Subordinate Judge's Court, Tiruvannamalai. The brief facts necessary for the consideration of the appeal are, one Krishna Reddiar (Senior) had a son, by name, Govindasamy Reddiar and a daughter, by name, Rangammal. His wife was Venkattammal and she died in the year 1953. Govindasamy Reddiar, son of Krishna Reddiar (Sr.), died on 19.4.1964. Govindasamy Reddiar had one son, by name, Krishna Reddiar (Junior) and two daughters, namely, Rangammal and Pappathi. The wife of Krishna Reddiar (Jr.) is one Alamelu ammal, who is the first defendant in the suit. Krishna Reddiar (Jr.)'s sister Rangammal had a daughter, by name, Alamelu ammal and she is the fifth defendant in the suit. Krishna Reddiar (Jr.)'s another sister Pappathi ammal had a son, Devan and he is the sixth defendant. Krishna Reddiar (Jr.) had a son, by name, Subramaniam and two daughters, namely, Rathinam (2nd defendant) and Balaji @ Balammal (3rd defendant). Subramaniam son of Krishna Reddiar (Jr.) died on 15.2.1986 leaving behind his wife, Tamilselvi and daughter, Krishna Devi. The wife and the daughter of Su