RAMAPRASADA RAO, J.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, represented by its Executive Officer, is the writ petitioner. The Devasthanam statutorily functions under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951, as adopted by the State of Andhra Pradesh during the relevant year in question and is managed by a Board of Trustees. The funds of the Devasthanam may be utilised for purposes mentioned in section 85 of the Act, which includes the maintenance, management and administration of the Devasthanam, the foundation and maintenance of hospitals and dispensaries for the relief of the pilgrims and worshippers visiting the temples, the construction and maintenance of choultries and rest-houses for the use and accommodation of all classes of pilgrims, the provision of water supply and other sanitary arrangements to the pilgrims, the establishment and maintenance of a veterinary hospital etc. Amongst other purposes, the Devasthanam is to set apart a sum of not less than two and a half lakhs of rupees towards the maintenance of Sri Venkateswara University. The trustees are also obliged to make arrangements for securing the health, safety or convenience of pilgrims or wors