The defendants in a suit for declaration of title to properties and possession of the same with claim for mesne profits, are the appellants in this Second Appeal. The facts relevant and material for the Second Appeal may be briefly set out.

The suit properties originally belonged to one Anjalai Ammal, wife of Arumugha Padayachi, the putative father of the plaintiffs in the suit. They are the children of Arumugha Padayachi by his concubine Marimuthu Ammal. Anjalai Ammal having no male issue, under the deed of settlement Exhibit A-1 dated 25th October, 1955 settled the suit properties on the minor plaintiffs. The deed of settlement refers to Arumugha Padayachi as their protector, father and guardian, and it is recited therein that the properties which had been settled on them are on their behalf placed in possession of their guardian, the said Arumugha Padayachi. Certain conditions are imposed under the deed enjoining the settlees to maintain Arumugha Padayachi during his lifetime, the properties to be taken by the plaintiffs after his lifetime with absolute rights. A charge is provided in favour of Arumugha Padayachi for his maintenance. The settlement deed referring to a m