(M. Chockalingam, J.)

These appeals challenge a common order of the learned Single Judge of this Court made in O.A.No.492 of 2009, an application for interim injunction restraining the defendants from interfering with the plaintiffs holding the office and discharging the functions of the Bishop in Madras, Madras Diocese, and in Application No.2171/2009, an application for stay of the operation of the letter dated 30.4.2009 of the Moderator to the plaintiff.

2. The Court heard the learned Senior Counsel on either side.

3. These appeals have arisen under the following circumstances:

(a) One Laity Association of Church of South India (CSI) -Madras Diocese, represented by its General Secretary and Vice President, filed a suit in C.S.No.295 of 2009 for declaration that the fifth defendant therein Rt.Rev.Dr.V.Devasagayam, cannot hold the post of Bishop of CSI, Madras Diocese, beyond 5. 2009 and also for consequential reliefs along with the mandatory injunction to direct the defendants 2 and 3 therein to issue a direction to the fourth defendant in respect of the nomination of Bishopric candidates to the post of Bishop. In that suit, the plaintiff filed an application in O.A.No