In Brief
K.S. Shivappa purchased two adjoining plots (Nos. 56 and 57) that were originally owned by minors. The minors' father, as their natural guardian, sold both plots to third parties without court permission—required by Section 8 of the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956. Upon attaining majority, the surviving minors repudiated the voidable sales by selling both properties to Shivappa, who then occupied the land. A subsequent purchaser of plot No. 57, Smt. K. Neelamma, sued for possession. The Supreme Court held that minors need not file a formal suit to avoid a voidable transaction; repudiation through conduct—such as selling the property to another—within the limitation period suffices. Since the minors had repudiated the sale, no valid title passed to subsequent purchasers. The judgment was allowed and the trial court's decision in Shivappa's favour was restored.
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