In Brief
This case concerns the validity of a partition deed dated March 15, 1971, executed by Oubegaranadin (a Christian father in Puducherry) purporting to distribute property to his three sons. The father later sued to nullify the partition, obtained a decree in 1974, and sold portions to respondents 1 and 2. The sons later sold their claimed shares to the appellant. The Supreme Court held that under customary Hindu law applicable to Christians in Puducherry, sons have no right to claim partition during the father's lifetime. A partition deed is valid only between joint owners. If a father owning property absolutely wishes to gift it to sons, it must be by will or gift deed complying with prescribed formalities, not a partition deed. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the High Court's view that the partition deed was invalid.
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