In these three writ petitions, the challenge is of the constitutional vires of the provisions of Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act 27 of 1975, hereinafter referred to as the Tamil Nadu Act 27 of 1975. The petitioner in W.P. No. 92 of 1979 is the Periyar Self-Respect Propaganda Institution, Tiruchirappalli, hereinafter referred to as the Institution, represented by its Life Secretary K. Veeramani. This Institution is a Society already registered under the Societies Registration Act 21 of 1860, hereinafter referred to as Act 21 of 1860. The petitioner in W.P. No. 3427 of 1979 is the Periyar Maniammal Educational and Charitable Society, hereinafter referred to as the Charitable Society, represented by its life President K. Veeramani. The Charitable Society is also one already registered under Act 21 of 1860. The petitioner in W. P. No. 12371 of 1984 is a life member of the Institution.

2. The petitioners express a grievance that by the enactment and enforcement of Tamil Nadu Act 27 of 1975, the fundamental rights guaranteed to them under Art.19(1)(c) and (f) stand violated. According to them, under the provisions of Act 21 of 1860 the Institution and the Charitable Soci