(E. PADMANABHAN, J)

1. This writ appeal has been preferred by the Executive Officer of Sri Ranganathaswamy Devasthanam, Srirangam being aggrieved by the order passed by the learned Single Judge on 20th September, 1991 made in W.P. No. 8168 of 1983.

2. Heard Mr. P. Gopalan, learned counsel appearing for the appellant and Mr. V. Rengaraju, learned Government Advocate, appearing for the respondents.

3. The only and substantial point that arise for consideration in this appeal is: —

Whether the appellant is entitled to payment of Dastic allowance under Section 20 of Tamil Nadu Act 30 of 1963?

4. Mr. P. Gopalan, learned counsel for the appellant contended that the learned Single Judge had misconstrued Section 20 of Tamil Nadu Act 30 of 1963 and the same has resulted in miscarriage of justice as well as denial of dastic-allowance. According to the learned counsel, either under sub-Section (1) of Section 20 or under sub Section (2) of Section 20 the appellant, by being a religious institution which holds the melvaram in respect of the suit lands is entitled for payment of dastic allowance in terms of Section 20 of the Act.

5. Per contra, the learned Government Advocate contends th