D. RAJU, J.

1. The above appeal has been filed under Section 46 of the Tamil Nadu Inam Estates (Abolition and Conversion into Ryotwari) Act (Tamil Nadu Act 26 of 1963) hereinafter referred to as ‘the Act’ by the various occupants of different extents of land who claimed ryotwari patta on the ground that they are ryots in possession and occupation of ryoti land under the provisions of the Act challenging the orders of the authorities below, rejecting their claim and directing the issue of patta in favour of the first r espondent/land-holder.

2. The present enquiry culminating in the above appeal under the Act preceded by different proceedings, some among the parties and some between the State and the land-holder, needs a brief reference for a proper understanding of the nature of the claim projected in the above appeal. The lands in question formed part of Esanamadam Estate which consisted of larger extent covered by three title deeds namely T.D. Nos. 270, 271 and 272. Originally, the entire estate comprising five survey groups of villages covered by the three title deeds were notified as an estate under Section 1

(4) of the Act in G.O.Ms. No. 3193, Revenue Department, dat