Kader, J.

1. The appeal is against the judgment and decree of the Court of the Subordinate Judge of Tirunelveli in O.S.No. 66 of 1977. The second defendant therein is the appellant.

2. This is a representative action by the two plaintiffs on their behalf and on behalf of the other members of the Brahmin community of Naranammalpuram in Tirunelveli Taluk for a declaration that Sri Karpaga Vinayagar temple of Naranammalpuram is a denominational institution belonging to the Brahmin community of Naranammalpuram consisting of sixty families and for a consequential injunction restraining the defendants from in any manner interfering with the management of the said temple and its properties by the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs are the nominated representatives of the Brahmin community of Naranammalpuram consisting of sixty families nominated to manage and administer the affairs of Sri Karpaga Vinayagar temple of the village. The said temple was founded by the ancestors of the Brahmin community of the said village over a century ago for the spiritual welfare of the said Brahmin community and the members of the community are the worshippers. For the religious services and other functions