JUDGMENT

S.C. Agrawal, J.-Speciel Leave granted in S.L.P. (C) Nos. 14501-02 of 1992.

2. These appeals arise out of two suits (O.S. No. 41 of 1968 and O.S. No. 26 of 1970) filed by the Telegu Church Council (for short TCC ), respondent herein, in respect of properties of congregationalist churches in the districts of Cuddapah and Anantpur in the State of Andhra Pradesh. O.S. No. 41 of 1968 was in respect of properties and institutions situted in Cuddapah district and O.S. No. 26 of 1970 was in respect of properties situated in Anantpur district. Both the suits were decreed in favour of TCC by the Subordinate Judge, Cuddapah by judgment and decree dated May 7, 1979. The appeals (A.S. No. 623-24 of 1979) filed by the appellants against the said judgment and decree of the Subordinate Judge were dismissed by the Andhra Pradesh High Court by judgment dated June 16,1992.

3. The London Missionary Society (for short LMS ) was founded by people belonging to different Protestant Christian Denominations in England in 1795 for spreading the Christian faith in various countries including India. LMS missionaries, in course of their activities, started churches, hospitals, educational institutions