Kacha Kanti Seva Samity And Anr vs Shri Kacha Kanti Devi And Os

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of shebaitship in relation to a deity, determining that without formal appointment by any authority, a pujari cannot claim shebaitship solely based on performance of rituals. The Court upheld the findings of the Assistant District Judge, which recognized the respondents as shebaits based on historical documents, thus affirming the High Court's dismissal of the appellants' Second Appeal. The judgment clarified the legal standing of public endowments and the rights of shebaits under Hindu religious law.