Summary: The High Court in Madras ruled that Sambu Ammal is entitled to a one-third share of her late father's property in Salem, despite disputes over her relationship to him.
This case started when Sambu Ammal, claiming to be the daughter of the late Perumal Gounder, sought a share in his properties located in Salem. There were disagreements because some people questioned if she was really Perumal's daughter.
Sambu Ammal argued that she was the daughter of Perumal Gounder and his first wife, Nallayee. After her mother's death, Perumal remarried, and through his second wife, had more children, including the respondent, Dhanam @ Dhabnalakshmi, and others.
Dhanam @ Dhabnalakshmi claimed that Sambu Ammal was not Perumal's daughter and argued they were the only rightful heirs. They insisted that Items 3 and 4 were bought by them, not by Perumal.
The Trial Court in Salem ruled in favor of Sambu Ammal for Items 1, 2, and 5, giving her a one-third share. However, it denied her claim to Items 3 and 4, saying there wasn't enough proof that these were bought by Perumal.
Important witnesses included Perumal’s brother, Raman, and another relative, who both said that Sambu was indeed Perumal’s daughter. An invitation from 1986 for Sambu's daughter's ceremony also listed Perumal as a relative, which supported her claim.
On December 2025, Dr. Justice A.D. Maria Clete of the Madras High Court confirmed the Trial Court's decision, stating there was no mistake. The evidence was enough to prove Sambu's relationship to Perumal, entitling her to a share in the properties.
The High Court's decision confirmed that Sambu Ammal is entitled to a one-third share of her father's properties, as the evidence proved her claim to be his daughter.
