C.S. KARNAN, J.

1. The appellants herein have preferred this second appeal against the judgment and decree dated 15.12.1999 made in A.S. No. 77 of 1995 by the Principal District Judge, Pudukkottai confirming the judgment and decree of Subordinate Judge, Pudukkottai dated 13.09.1994 made in O.S. No. 163 of 1987.

2. The appellants herein are the plaintiffs in the suit in O.S. No. 163 of 1987 and the respondents herein are the defendants therein. For the sake of convenience, the ranks of the parties in the suit has been referred to hereunder:

The Second Appeal was originally filed before the Principal Seat, viz., the Madras High Court. Notices were sent to the respondents by the Principal Seat. But except the seventh respondent, none of the respondents have entered appearance. After the formation of the Madurai Bench, due notices were sent to the appellants and respondents. But, excepting the appellants and seventh respondent, no appearance was made by the respondents 1 to 6. During the pendency of the Second Appeal, the first respondent died. Since the respondents 2 to 6, who are the sons and mother of the deceased first respondent were already on record, an application to