Sri.Channabasappa S/O. Siddappa Sanglad v. Smt.Yallavva W/O. Bhimanagouda Doddagoudar
Case brief
What is this about?
Adoption validity; registered adoption deed Ex.D1 dated 24.10.1968; grandson of female propositus Smt. Neelamma; exemption from proving lawful execution of adoption deed; Section 16 Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act 1956 presumption urged; Sections 50 and 68 Indian Evidence Act 1872; best evidence rule; proof of relationship through revenue records M.E.No.1803 (Ex.P11) and RTC (Ex.P18); hostile/needy witness PW.3; co-owner cannot claim exclusive ownership over joint properties; suit for declaration and perpetual injunction between co-owners not maintainable; moulding of relief under Order VII Rule 7 CPC; preliminary decree for partition, 1/4th share each; Division Bench, High Court of Karnataka, Dharwad; RFA partly allowed, suit dismissed.
What did the court decide?
Appeal allowed in part; the suit for declaration of title and consequential injunction dismissed; plaintiffs and defendant No.2 declared entitled to 1/4th share each in the suit schedule properties and defendant No.1 entitled to remain in possession of 1/4th share; parties permitted to take out proceedings for final decree of partition by metes and bounds; Office directed to draw a preliminary decree declaring 1/4th share each to the plaintiffs and defendant Nos.1 and 2; parties to bear their own costs.