(1) THE first defendant in O. S. No. 338 of 1982 on the file of the City Civil court, Madras has suffered an order of dismissal on 08. 02. 1996, of her application in i. A. No. 2039 of 1986 to set aside the ex parte decree dated 26. 09. 1984. The appellant preferred an appeal in C. M. A. No. 553 of 1986 before this Court and that was also dismissed on 15. 07. 1994. Aggrieved by the same, the appellant preferred this appeal under Clause 15 of the Letters Patent. During the pendency of the appeal, the appellant died and the legal representatives were brought on record.

(2) THE respondent/plaintiff filed the suit for delivery of vacant possession of the suit property and for profits. The suit property was brought to sale under Section 69 of the Transfer of Property Act and the plaintiff purchased the same in a public auction held on 31. 12. 1979 for a sum of Rs. 52. 700/ -. The plaintiff paid Rs. 13,200/- on 31. 12. 1979 itself and the balance of the sale consideration was paid on 11. 01. 1980. The sale deed was obtained on 13. 05. 1981. The first defendant/appellant questioned the sale and also filed a pauper O. S. 491 of 1981 against the respondent/plaintiff praying for a