Mishra, J.:

The respondent-State Bank of India, Kancheepuram branch, filed a suit, 171 of 1975, for recovery of a sum of Rs.14, 93, 615.35 with interest at 14% per annum date of payment alleging inter alia that defendants 1 to 3 started a partnership firm the name and style of National Engineering Works which firm approached it in 1967 financial accommodation. The Bank sanctioned instalment credit loan of Rs.67,994 19.8.1968, accepted a cash credit lock and key pledge agreement executed by the 122.1970 for Rs.45,000 and a cash credit Mundy type pledge agreement for Rs.2,75,000 the same date, viz., 12.2.1970. According to the bank the firm pledged the machinery security for all types of advances sanctioned by the bank by their letter dated 12.2.1970. and executed a promissory note for Rs.1,50,000 towards cash credit bills along with agreement for accommodation against bills tendered for collection, on 16.3.1970. The according to the bank, executed a trust letter on 6.3.1972 authorising it to hold all the pledged to it as trustees and renewed the promissory note by a renewal letter 17.1.1973.

2. The fourth defendant, according to the bank, who is the wife of the first def