1. This litigation commenced more than two decades ago, to be precise on 06.08.1996 when one Chinnan along with his son and three daughters launched a suit against one Sangan (since deceased) regarding a vacant site admeasuring 2160 square feet or thereabouts.

2. A thumbnail sketch of facts absolutely essential for appreciating this judgment is set out infra under the caption 'Factual matrix in a nutshell'. To be noted, 'Factual matrix in a nutshell' contains only facts which are imperative for understanding and appreciating this judgment sans other particulars and details.

3. Facts in a Nutshell :

3(a) Suit property is a vacant site admeasuring 2160 square feet or thereabouts. This Second Appeal arises out of a suit being No.306 of 1996 on the file of District Munsif Court, Aruppukkottai and the said court shall hereinafter be referred to as 'trial court' for the sake of convenience and clarity. From the description in the decree of the trial court, it can be culled out that the suit property is a rectangular piece of vacant site admeasuring 20 yards lengthwise (North