1. The case has had a chequered career.

.2. The first defendant in O.S. No. 278 of 1982 on the file of the District Munsif of Villupuram is the appellant in the second appeal. The first respondent herein filed the suit for declaration of title and possession on the following averments:

.The suit properties originally belonged to one Lakshmi Ammal. Her daughter-in-law was one Govindammal. Her brother was Gurusamy and Gurusamys son one Jagadev was married to one Dhanammal the first respondent was their daughter. Lakshmiammal executed a registered settlement deed under Ex.A-1 on 212. 1959 giving the properties to her daughter-in-law Govindammal to be enjoyed by her during her life time without powers of alienation and the grandchildren of Gurusamy were to take the suit properties absolutely after the life time of Govindammal. Govindammal sold away the suit first item to the appellant on 1. 1974 and bequeathed the second item to one Mannangatti Gounder, who in his turn sold that item to the second defendant in the suit one Ananthakrishnan. The first respondent was the sole surviving grandson of Lakshmiammals brother Gurusamy. As per the settlement deed the suit items wer