JUDGMENT

SHARMA, J. :— The question which arises in this appeal by special leave from the decision of the Orissa High Court in a writ case is whether the "estate" of Lord Jagannath has vested in the State of Orissa as a result of the notification dated 18-3-1974 issued under S. 3-A of the Orissa Estates Abolition Act, 1951 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) or the said notification is ultra vires and fit to be quashed.

2. The writ petition in the High Court was filed by a number of persons claiming to be Sevaks and worshippers of Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the famous Jagannath temple .The management of the temple and the properties including the intermediary interest is in the hands of a trust which was imploded as a respondent in the case. Besides,the State of Orissa and Collector, Puri, the Administrator, Jagannath temple, the Jagannath Committee were also made parties. They, however, do not support the writ petitioners and agree with the State that the "estate" has vested under the impugned notification.

3. The Act was passed in 1952 for the purpose of abolishing all the rights in land of intermediaries between the raiyats and the State of Orissa by whatever name kno