This is a petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India questioning the constitutional validity of the various Ordinances and Acts taking over the management of the Pachaiyappa's Charities. This petition has been filed as a public interest litigation by a person claiming to be service minded by nature. He was himself a member of the Pachayappa's Trust Board during the period from 1972 to 1977 and is stated to be holding a high position in a leading opposition party in Tamil Nadu.

2. The facts leading to the filing of this petition are as follows :- The Pachaiyappa's Charities is a trust created by a Philanthropic individual by name Pachaiyappa Mudaliar. The Pachaiyappa's Trust (hereinafter referred to as the Trust) owns extensive immoveable properties both urban and agricultural lands, residential buildings and various other assets, the total value of which is estimated to be of the order of Rs. 150/- crores and above. The objects of the trust comprise the performance of various religious charitable and educational activities in terms of the will of Pachaiyappa Mudaliar. The performance of the various religious and charitable activities was governed by th