In Brief
The idol of Sri Renganathaswamy (appellant) challenged a High Court order permitting the Ramanuja Koodam Anandhana Trust (respondent) to sell property. The Supreme Court held that a Deed of Settlement dated 1901 dedicated property for charitable activities (feeding and water distribution) during Hindu religious festivals, creating a specific endowment under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959. Once a specific endowment exists, the Act applies automatically; civil courts cannot sanction sales of endowed property. Only the Commissioner under the Act can approve alienation. The appeal was allowed and the suit dismissed, though respondent could pursue the prescribed procedure under the Act.
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