Riju Prasad Sarma Etc.Etc vs State Of Assam & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the constitutional validity of Section 25A of the Assam State Acquisition of Lands Belonging to Religious or Charitable Institutions of Public Nature Act, 1959, in the context of disputes regarding the management of the Kamakhya Devalaya. The Court held that the provisions of Section 25A must be interpreted in light of the rights of the religious institutions and their management, emphasizing the need for adherence to customary practices in temple governance. The appeals were allowed, and the judgment of the Guwahati High Court was set aside, reaffirming the rights of the temple management under the Act.