The Second Appeal has arisen out of the judgment and decree dated 19.12.1991 in A.S.No.26 of 1986 on the file of the learned Subordinate Judge of Devakottai, confirming the judgment and decree dated 14.02.1986 in O.S.No.184 of 1984 on the file of the District Munsif Court, Devakottai.

2. The appellant is the first defendant in O.S.No.184 of 1984 and first appellant in A.S.No.26 of 1986, who lost in both the Courts below. One Vinaitheerthan Chettiar was the plaintiff. Respondents 1 to 6, who are the legal heirs of the said Vinaitheerthan Chettiar, were impleaded as respondents 2 to 7 in A.S.No.26 of 1986. Respondents 7 to 10 are the defendants 2 to 5 in O.S.No.184 of 1984 and appellants 2 to 5 in A.S.No.26 of 1986. Pending second appeal, sixth respondent died and respondents 1 to 5 are recorded as legal heirs of the deceased sixth respondent. Ninth respondent died and respondents 11 to 17 are brought on record as his legal heirs. The parties are referred to as per their ranks in the suit.

3. The plaintiff is the son of one Subban through his third wife Deivanai. The first and second wife of Subban are Veerayi and Umayal and they did not have any children. The said Subban die