( 1 ) THIS petition is directed against the order dated 23-12-87 passed by the Asstt. Registrar. Firms Societies and Chits. Varanasi purporting to determine a dispute relating to the election or continuance in office of certain office-bearers of a Society called Bharat Dharm Mahamandal. The petitioners contend that the impugned order is completely void as the Assistant Registrar had no jurisdiction to decide the dispute himself in view of S. 25 of the Societies Registration Act as amended by the State Legislature. The order is also assailed on merits but we do not propose to comment on the same in view of the fact that we are upholding the objection of the petitioners as regards the jurisdiction or more appropriately the lack of it of the Assistant Registrar.

( 2 ) BHARAT Dharm Mahamandal is a Society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The society has been established for the purpose of promoting Hindu Religious Education in accordance with the Sanatan Dharma. The object disclosed in the memorandum of Association is to defuse the knowledge of Vedas. Puranas and other Hindu Shastras. The management of the Society and the control of its affairs are