1. This appeal is directed against the judgment and decree dated 23.12.2003 passed by the first appellate court in A.S.No.39 of 2003 in reversing the judgment and decree dated 31.03.2003 passed by the trial court made in O.S.No.373 of 1998 in dismissing the suit.

2. The appellant herein was the second defendant; the first respondent was the plaintiff and the respondents 2 and 3 were the defendants 1 and 3 before the trial court. The second defendant/appellant remained exparte before the trial court.

3. The case of the plaintiff as stated in the plaint are as follows:-

The plaintiff had occupied the suit property several years back, ie., in or about 1970 and had been living there, after putting up construction of a house for dwelling purpose. Some times later, the plaintiff applied for electricity connection and paying house tax for the same. The electricity service connection was obtained. For the occupation of the land, the revenue authorities had granted 'B' memo receipts. Later, Thiruporur Town Panchayat gave water supply connection. The plaintiff put up pakka construction after getting the plan approved. The plaintiff is living in the suit property for nearly three de