Sri Gedela Satchidananda Murthy (D) By ... vs Dy. Commnr., Endowments Deptt., A.P. & ...

The Supreme Court addressed the definition of 'religious institution' under Sections 2(22) and 2(26) of the A.P. Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1966, determining that a burial site with constructed tombs does not qualify as a religious institution. The Court held that the High Court erred in its findings regarding public participation and the nature of the institution, emphasizing that the property was a private family institution rather than a public temple. Consequently, the appeal was allowed, overturning the High Court's decision.