adopted by the defendants 3,4 and 5. It was the case of the defendants that the plaintiff's grandfather - Pethaiyar Thevar had one son and two daughters and the first defendant was one of the daughters of Pethaiyar Thevar. The plaintiff's father was none other than the brother of the first defendant. It was also claimed that the suit property was purchased by the mother of the first defendant and wife of Pethaiyar Thevar, namely, Natchiarammal under a sale deed, dated 23.12.1959. The suit property, after purchase, had been in possession and enjoyment of the family, including the first defendant and the plaintiff's father. The original owner – Natchiarammal mortgaged the suit property with one Lakshmiammal for a sum of Rs.400/- and the same was redeemed by the first defendant by spending her own funds. It was also claimed that the father of the plaintiff died at a young age, leaving minor plaintiff and he was brought up by the first defendant only. It was further claimed by the defendant that Natchiarammal executed a settlement deed, dated 22.04.1993, settling certain properties in favour of the first defendant. The suit property was orally gifted in favour of the first defendant and as such the first defendant had been in possession and enjoyment of the suit property. On these pleadings, the defendants sought for dismissal of the suit.