SRI SINNA RAMANUJA JEER AND OTHERS vs SRI RANGA RAMANUJA JEER AND ANOTHER.

The Supreme Court held that under Section 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, a civil court cannot entertain a suit for a declaration of religious honours and privileges simpliciter, but can adjudicate on the right to an office in a temple and the associated honours as remuneration. The Court found that there was no independent office of theerthakar or arulipad, as the roles lacked obligatory duties. The judgment emphasized that the nature of honours must be determined based on evidence, and the High Court's jurisdiction to entertain second appeals on factual errors was reaffirmed.