D.v.Ramesh v. Annadhana Mallegowda
Case brief
What is this about?
Karnataka High Court, Bengaluru; V Srishananda J.; NC: 2025:KHC:31680; RSA No.6 of 2020 (PAR), decided 14.08.2025. Partition suit O.S.No.127/2010 (I Addl. Civil Judge & JMFC, Arisikere) partly decreed; reversed in R.A.No.111/2017 by Senior Civil Judge & JMFC, Arsikere; challenge in RSA under S.100 r/w Order XLII CPC. Key themes: joint family property versus self-acquired property; karta's acquisition in 1960 from Patel Mallegowda; capacity of coparcener/testator to bequeath joint family property; proof of Will Ex.D6 dated 28.01.2005; suspicious circumstances; exclusion of kith and kin not sole test; conduct of widow/mother as party; Section 103 CPC power to frame additional substantial question of law; notional partition; intestate devolution of 'B' schedule property; shares of 1/4th and 1/3rd carved out; appeal allowed in part.
What did the court decide?
Regular Second Appeal allowed in part. Plaintiffs' suit in respect of 'A' schedule property decreed: 1/4th share to each of the plaintiffs, 1/4th share to defendant No.2, and the remaining 1/4th share to defendant No.3 as legatee under Ex.D6 Will. In respect of 'B' schedule property, the plaintiffs and defendant No.2 are entitled to 1/3rd share each. Parties at liberty to work out equitable partition in terms of the modified judgment and decree.