1. This judgement will dispose of Regular First Appeals Nos. 741 and 964 of 1976 which arise out of the same judgement of the Subordinate Judge, 1st Class, Hoshiarpur. Swami Hira Nand Puri of village Nangal Bihalan, District Hoshiarpur it is averred, was an eminent scholar and spiritual man. He was highly respected and even worshipped by countless followers throughout the country. Under his spiritual influence various devotees made different donations in his favour for the welfare of his followers. The assets which he left at the time of his death are given in Annexure - A attached herewith.

2. It is further averred that the Swamiji created a Trust styled as Shri Hira Nand Puri Sat Sangh (Mission) and dedicated his personal and the above property to it. He utilised all his income for purely religious and charitable purposes. He died on 7th Jan 1964 at Chandigarh. Defendants 1 to 5 were his chelas. Defendants 6 and 7 were Shri Hira Puri Mission and Shri Hira Puri Sat Sangh, whose Presidents were also the chelas of Swamiji. Defendants 1 and 2 started quarrelling after his death and various civil and criminal proceedings started between them regarding the property. They set up