In Brief
A Hindu temple sought declaration and injunction regarding 26 jeweled items (Adipooram Thiruvabaranam) that had been donated by the ancestors of a donor family member for use solely in the annual Adipooram festival. The adopted heir of the donor's family claimed the jewelry as inherited personal property and sought exclusive possession of the temple vault housing it. The Supreme Court held that the jewelry constitutes a specific religious endowment dedicated to adorning the temple deity during religious ceremonies. Dedication to a religious purpose does not require express documentation but can be inferred from long, uninterrupted possession by the temple and exclusive use in religious observances. The court confirmed the endowment and granted the temple a decree of permanent injunction, requiring the appellant to cooperate in providing access to the jewelry for religious purposes.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.