LAWS(KAR)-1976-9-12

STATE OF MYSORE Vs. B MADANAPPA

Decided On September 01, 1976
STATE OF MYSORE Appellant
V/S
B.MADANAPPA Respondents

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These three regular first appeals RFA.7 of 1973, RFA.8 of 1973 and RFA 9 of 1973 are by the State of Karnataka and are directed against the three judgments and decrees dated31-7-1972 in OS.28 of 1968, OS. 19 of 1967 and OS. 21 of 1969 respectively on the file of the Civil Judge, Bellary, dismissing the plaintiff-appellant's suits for declaration of its title and consequential reliefs respecting sandalwood extracted from trees on private lands in the former State of Sandur.

(2.) As the underlying basis of the Slate's alleged title is common to the claim in all the three suits and as common grounds are urged in support of these appeals, they nre disposed of together by this judgment.

(3.) The question relates to 1ns ownership of sandalwood trees in the private Isr.ds in the territories of the erstwhile princely State of Sandur after the repeal in 1949 of UK Sandur Forest Act, 1943, under the provisions of Ss, 49 and 50 of which the sandalwood trees were the exclusive property ov the Sovereign of the erstwhile principality of Sandur.