Sri Bala Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tallamudunurupadu Village of Tadepalligudem of West Godavari District (hereafter called, the subject temple) is the religious institution registered and classified under Section 6(b) of A.P. Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1987 (the Act, for brevity). Historically, it is about 200 years old temple established by Sriman Raghavacharyulu, and statedly temple is being managed by his successors. After coming into force of A.P. Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions (Amendment) Act, 2002 (A.P. Act No.27 of 2002), the respondent herein by proceedings in R.C.No.B5/2006, dated 17.06.2006, decided that Smt. Andal Raghavan – petitioner herein; is member of founder’s family. Be it noted, by reason of Section 17 of the Act as amended by Amendment Act No.27 of 2002, the member of the family of the founder shall be appointed as one of Board of Trustees and under Section 21(b) of the Act, such member shall be the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. That is the purport of Section 15 read with Sections 17 and 20 of the Act. The facts or the legal position are not disputed in this writ petition.

The respondent herein