V. Ramasubramanian, J.

All these writ appeals arise out of the dismissal of a batch of writ petitions challenging the suspension of the hereditary trustees of a special religious endowment and the appointment of a fit person by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department.

2. We have heard Mr. M. Vallinayagam, learned Senior Counsel appearing for the appellants, Mr. V.R. Shanmuganathan, learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the Department and Mr. M. Muthugeethayan, learned counsel appearing for the Temple/Fit Person.

3. By a deed of partition, executed on 07.09.1921, three brothers by name Chidambaram Pillai, Malaiperumal Pillai and Paramasivam Pillai, all sons of one Andiappa Pillai, partitioned the properties belonging to the family among themselves. The deed of partition covered several items of properties. One of the properties covered by the deed of partition was described as Item No.4 in the IV-Schedule. The said property was a Mandapam at Door Nos.12, 13, 13-A, 14, 14-A and 14-B, Sannathi Street, Thiruchendur. This property and another property at Alagiyamanavalapuram in Srivaikundam Taluk, Thoothukudi District, were dedicated for the