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SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

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CASE NO.:

Appeal (civil) 6965 of 1996

PETITIONER:

N. Adithayan

RESPONDENT:

The Travancore Devaswom Board & Ors.

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 03/10/2002

BENCH:

S. Rajendra Babu & Doraiswamy Raju.

JUDGMENT:

J U D G M E N T

Raju, J.

The question that is sought to be raised in the appeal is as to

whether the appointment of a person, who is not a Malayala Brahmin,

as "Santhikaran" or Poojari (Priest) of the Temple in question

Kongorpilly Neerikode Siva Temple at Alangad Village in Ernakulam

District, Kerala State, is violative of the constitutional and statutory

rights of the appellant. A proper and effective answer to the same

would involve several vital issues of great constitutional, social and

public importance, having, to certain extent, religious overtones also.

The relevant facts, as disclosed from the pleadings, have to be

noticed for a proper understanding and appreciation of the questions

raised in this appeal. The appellant claims himself to be a Malayala

Brahmin by community and a worshipper of the Siva Temple in

question. The Administration of the Temple vests with Travancore

Devaswom Board, a statutory bod