- (1.) The short question which arises for consideration in this appeal is whether a deed of gift executed after 1/01/1970 by a person in favour of two sons of her husband by his first wife is attracted by the validating provision contained in Ss. (I-A) of Section 84 of the Kerala Land Reforms Act, 1963 (Act I of 1964. The facts are not in dispute. The only point for decision is whether the expression 'son or daughter' includes a stepson or a stepdaughter.
(2.) Appellants 1 and 2 are the donees and appellant 3, who is their stepmother, is the donor. The deed was executed between 1/01/1970 and 5/11/1974, which is the crucial period to attract the validating provision contained in Ss. (I-A).
(3.) Section 84 declares certain voluntary transfers to be null and void. However, the section was amended by Act 19 of 1979 inserting Ss. " (I-A) which, insofar as it is material, reads: "84.(I-a) Notwithstanding anything contained in Ss. (1, or in any judgment, decree or order of any court or other authority, any 553 voluntary transfer effected by means of a gift deed executed during the period commencing on the 1st day of January, 1970 and ending with the 5th day of November, 1974, by a person owning or holding land in excess of the ceiling area in favour of his son or daughter or the son or daughter of his predeceased son or daughter shall not be deemed to be, or ever to have been, invalid * * *'";