O R D E R

The writ petition is filed challenging Refusal Check Slip issued by the 2nd respondent refusing to register the Settlement Deed presented by petitioner for registration on the ground that the petitioner failed to produce the original title document of the Settlor by relying on Rule 55-A(i) of the rules framed under Registration Act, 1908.

2. According to the petitioner, the property which is sought to be settled was originally belonged to Chennimalai Gounder and his son Kailasanathan. The petitioner purchased the same under registered Sale Deed executed by the above said persons dated 04.06.1980. The petitioner executed a Settlement Deed in respect of the said property in favour of his wife-Revathi and presented it for registration before the 2nd respondent with the certified copy of the original title deed. It was specifically averred by the petitioner that the original title document which was kept in the safe custody was lost and inspite of his best effort, he could not find out the same. It is asserted by the petitioner that he also approached the Police Officials for tracing the document but in vain. In these circumstances, petitioner presented the Settlement Deed ex