In Brief
The appellants purchased property from Nirmala Murthy (the deceased testator's wife) under a 2004 sale deed. The respondent (the testator's son) challenged the sale, claiming his mother only had a life interest, not absolute ownership. The Supreme Court held that the 1995 will expressly gave Nirmala Murthy absolute, unfettered rights to sell, mortgage, or lease the property. The testator's statement that he 'desired' a sale with proceeds divided among children was merely an expression of preference, not a binding requirement. The sale deed was therefore valid and binding on all parties. The Court set aside the High Court judgment, dismissed the respondent's suit, and decreed the appellants' ejectment action, ordering possession handed over within three months."
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