COMMNR.,HINDU RELG.&C.E.(ADMN.) vs VEDANTHA STHAPNA SABHA

The Supreme Court upheld the Madras High Court's decision that the Sabha is entitled to hold the office of hereditary trustee for the Sri Lakshmi Hayavadhana Perumal Temple under Section 63(b) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Act, 1959. The Court clarified the distinction between 'hereditary trustee' and 'trustee' as defined in Sections 6(11) and 6(22) of the Act, emphasizing that the Sabha, as the founder, has the right to administer the temple. The appeal by the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner was dismissed, affirming the Sabha's rights.