K.A. Abdul Gafoor, J.

Challenge in this Original Petition is against Ext. P4, a notice issued by the Sub Divisional Officer, the 2nd respondent. The petitioner seeks a direction not to give effect to Ext. P4 notice.

2. By Ext. P4, the 2nd respondent has invited application from interested persons for appointment of 'Kazis for Juma Masjid at Andrott in the vacancy caused due to the death of the then existing 'Kazi' namely one Pattakal Pookkoya Thangal. Ext. P4 shows that appointment is intended in terms of the Kazis Act, 1880, and that such notice was issued upon instruction from the Administrator of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. It is further stated that applications received will be considered on the basis of an interview by a Committee consisting of Scholars from the main land.

3. The petitioner submits that he is a member of Pattakal tharvadu to which the deceased' Kazi' belonged. He submits that the position of Kazi' is hereditary and only a member of the said family can function as a'Kazi'. Therefore, the petitioner is entitled to function in place of the deceased' Kazi' and therefore there is no reason to issue Ext. P4 notice.

4. It is contended that under S.2 o