Non-compliance with court orders can lead to dismissal of an appeal, and the interpretation of specific words in the context of land rights and cultivation is crucial in land disputes.

Devadoss, J.

1. It is contended by Mr. Venkatachariar for the appellants that the words " jeroyiti lands " mean ryoti lands and he relies upon a number of decisions of this Court in support of his contention. There are the cases of this Court in which it was held that the term " jeroyoti " does not necessarily mean " ryoti. " It is again urged that in the Kistna District the ward " jerpyoti " is used as meaning " ryoti. " It would not be very satisfactory to decide upon the meaning of this word by reference to cases in which the term was used as denoting ryoti land. I think for a proper disposal of this case there should be a specific finding as to the meaning of the word "jeroyiti" as used in the part of the country in which the plaint land is situated. It is suggested for the respondents by Mr. Raghava Rao that the word "savaram jeroyiti" mean homeform land. The Subordinate Judge will record a finding first as to the meaning of the words " jeroyiti " and " seri "as used in that part of the country in which the plaint lands are situated and also as to the meaning of the expression " savaram jeroyiti " when used in documents executed or prepared in that part of the country. Parties will be allowed to adduce fresh evidence on the point on which the finding is called for. The finding will be returned in two months and seven days will be allowed for objections.

2. [In compliance with the order contained in the above judgment, the Subordinate Judge of Masulipatam submitted the following :]

Findings

3. I have been called upon to submit a finding as to the meaning of the words " jeroyiti" and " seri " as used in the Vuyyur Zamindari and as to the meaning of the expression "savaram jeroyiti" when used in documents in that estate. Both parties were allowed to adduce fresh evidence on the points above referred to.

4. The original order of the High Court calling for the above findings was dated 17th December 1928 and I was directed to submit the findings within two months from the date of the receipt of the records. As the appellants were not ready, I moved the High Court for an extension of time on 11th April 1927, directing the appellants to pay the costs of the respondent. The High Court was pleased to extend the time till 18th August, and, on 25th April 1927, I adjourned the enquiry to 1st August directing both sides to be ready. On 1st August the appellants were again not ready and had taken no steps but as they undertook to be ready on 10th August, irrespective of service of summonses, I adjourned the enquiry to 10th August on their application (I. A. No. 1093 of 1927), directing them to pay respondents costs both in connexion with that hearing and the previous hearing before the commencement of the trial on 10th August. When the case was taken up on 10th August the appellants were absent. The costs awarded to the respondent (who had been summoning witnesses each time at a considerable cost) were not paid. The appellants pleader orally asked for an adjournment; but it was refused. The appellants pleader had no evidence ready. Without paying the costs ordered on the previous occasion, he wanted permission to cross-examine the respondents witnesses; but I refused it. * * *

5. As for the word jeroyiti ": one of its meaning is " cultivation " as given in Browns Dictionary and also in Wilsons Glossary. The word " jeroyiti land " may thus mean " cultivable or arable land. " But it may also mean " assessable or assessed land " as opposed to inam land. It is only the context that must decide which meaning is to be given to the word. Lastly, the word " jeroyiti " especially when prefixed to the word "right" or hakku has come to mean " rights of occupancy. " * * *

6. As for the word "seri" it is always used in this part of the country in the sense in which the word "ryoti" is used in the Estates Land Act. "Seri land" always means "land in which the tenant has an occupancy right."

7. As for the word "savaram " it invariably means the homefa