In Brief
The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of a civil appeal challenging the classification of 'Bakers Choultry' in Chennai as a specific religious endowment under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959. The property is governed by a 1834 rock inscription mandating use of its funds to feed Brahmins during Hindu festivals. The Court held that the inscription creates a valid religious charity (a public charity linked to religious festivals) and constitutes a specific endowment. The requisite 'divestment' of property exists because managers surrendered income rights and alienation powers. The appeal was dismissed, confirming the property is a religious endowment, not private property.
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