JUDGMENT

Shivaraj V. Patil, J.-In this appeal, in the light of the contentions raised and submissions made, the following question arises for consideration and decision -

"Whether the Deputy Commissioner of Endowments has power to enquire and decide any dispute whether a temple is a public temple or a private one under Section 87 of Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions & Endowments Act, 1987" ?

2. In brief, the facts leading to the filing of this appeal are: It appears, a notice was issued by the Inspector of Endowments on 8.10.1975 to the Executive Officer of Shri Panduranga Vitthal Swami temple, Chilakalapudi to register the said temple under Sections 38 & 39 of the Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1966 (for short the 1966 Act ). Challenging the same, W.P. No. 5480 of 1976 was filed. The said writ petition was disposed of on 24.11.1976 placing on record the submission of the learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner had been advised to raise a dispute before the Deputy Commissioner under Section 77 of the 1966 Act to contend that the temple did not fall within the purview of the said Act,