K. A Nayar, J.

1. The short question arises for consideration in' this Original Petition is whether the Hindu M.L. As. had to give a declaration that they believe in God and temple worship before exercising their right of electing a person to the Travancore-Cochin Devaswom Boards and further whether a Hindu has to declare that he believes in God and temple worship before getting nominated to the Devaswom Boards.

2. Vacancies having arisen in Cochin and Travancore Devaswom Boards, the second respondent, Shri. K.K. Sankara Ganakan, a retired District Judge, as authorised person under S.5 and 64 of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religions Institutions Act issued a notice dated 13-6-1989 to all Hindu M.L.As. of the State of Kerala to attend a meeting to be held between 9.30 a.m. and 12 hours on 6-7-1989 at the Durbar Hall, Government Secretariat, Trivandrum for the purpose of electing a member each to the Travancore and Cochin Devaswom Boards. It is mentioned in that notice that if there be a contest, polling shall be held immediately thereafter and results. declared on the same day. Nomination papers had to be presented to him between 10 a.m. and 12 hours at the Durbar Hall on