The plaintiffs are the appellants herein. The suit is for declaration of right in respect of management and worship of Mariamman Temple situated at Periya Kuruvadi Village, Mannargudi Taluk.

2. The brief facts leading to the second appeal are as under:-

In Periya Kuruvadi Village, there is a ancient Mariamman Temple worshiped by the villagers and administratered by caste Hindus. The plaintiffs five in number belonged to Harijans community of that village. When they demanded to participate in the administration of the temple, it was denied by the defendants. Therefore, the suit was filed seeking declaration in respect of the right of the plaintiffs to participate in the temple festivals and be part of the administrative committee.

3. The defendants while admitting that the temple is open to all for worship irrespective of caste, they deny the allegation of the plaintiffs that Harijans are prevented from worshiping the deity. However, they ascertain their right to administer through body 14 members committee. Further, the defendants contended that in the said village, there is an another Mariamman Temple at Thoppu Street, which is exclusively administered by the Harijans commu