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Issues Involved:
1. Adoption of Varadayyangar by Ammalayyangar. 2. Entitlement of defendants 1 to 5 to shares inter se. 3. Validity of the adoption of Sindu by Dorasami and the adoption of the 3rd Defendant by Sindu. 4. Validity of the transfer evidenced by Exhibit LVIII. 5. Ownership and classification of properties specified in Schedule H. 6. Minor points including issues 21 to 24, accounting of monies collected by the 6th defendant, and the indemnity of family properties. Issue-wise Detailed Analysis: 1. Adoption of Varadayyangar by Ammalayyangar: The first issue examined was whether Varadayyangar was adopted by his uncle Ammalayyangar. The Sub-Judge found in the affirmative, supported by extensive evidence, including Exhibits L Series, O Series, A, 14, C, and E. These documents provided unambiguous evidence of the adoption. The adoption was further corroborated by statements in past suits brought by Kristnayyangar, indicating that Varadayyangar was under his protection as Ammalayyangar's adopted son. The court upheld the admissibility of these documents under Section 35 of the Evidence Act and affirmed the Sub-Judge's finding, entitling the plaintiff to a moiety of the property as representative of Ammalayyangar's branch. 2. Entitlement of Defendants 1 to 5 to Shares Inter Se: The next point addressed the shares of defendants 1 to 5 in the moiety belonging to Kristnayyangar's branch. Kristnayyangar had five sons, and the entitlement of shares depended on the adoption claims. Defendants 1 to 4 argued that Dorasami adopted Sindu, and Sindu adopted the 3rd Defendant. The 5th Defendant denied these adoptions and claimed equal share entitlement. The Sub-Judge found both adoptions valid, supported by evidence including Exhibit IV and other documents. The court saw no reason to doubt these findings, affirming that Sindu was adopted by Dorasami and the 3rd Defendant was adopted by Sindu. 3. Validity of the Transfer Evidenced by Exhibit LVIII: The court examined the validity of the transfer of property by 7th defendant's late husband to the 6th defendant, evidenced by Exhibit LVIII. The Sub-Judge found the transfer valid to the extent of conveying an undefined interest in the undivided family property, as per the law in this presidency. The consideration for the conveyance was Rs. 40,000, with payments made for debts and the remaining amount to be paid to the 8th defendant. The court affirmed the validity of the sale but amended the decree to exclude the "old, tiled, full-built dwelling house" from the portion awarded to the 6th defendant. 4. Ownership and Classification of Properties Specified in Schedule H: The court addressed the ownership of 34 items listed in Schedule H. The 7th defendant contended that several items were her husband's self-acquisitions, while the 8th defendant claimed ownership of others. The plaintiff argued that the properties were purchased with surplus sale proceeds intended for the benefit of the joint family. The Sub-Judge's decision against the plaintiff was based on the plaintiff's Vakil's argument, which the court found insufficient. The court held that surplus sale proceeds from the sale of undivided interest remain co-parcenary property, subject to the right of survivorship. The Subordinate Judge was directed to make fresh findings on these contentions and pass a final decree accordingly. 5. Minor Points and Other Issues: The court noted that the Subordinate Judge had not recorded findings on issues 21 to 24 and other minor points. The Subordinate Judge was requested to come to distinct findings on these issues, including the accounting of monies collected by the 6th defendant and the indemnity of family properties. The court concurred with the Sub-Judge's opinion that the sale to the 6th defendant was not benami for the plaintiff and found no evidence of fraud. The indemnity should be set aside, and the documents handed over to the 6th defendant should be returned. Conclusion: The court concluded that the decree passed by the Subordinate Judge was provisional and appealable. The decree was to be amended to declare the rights and liabilities adjudicated and to include directions for further enquiry on the matters mentioned. The costs in the Original Court were reserved for adjudication upon passing the final decree, and the costs of the appeal would follow the result and be provided for in the final decree.
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