(1.) THESE petitions have been filed by persons representing 5 N.S.S karayogams in 5 different karas of the 13 karas which together fall under the Chettikulangara Devi Temple. This is the time for Kumbha Bharani festival of the said Chettikulangara Devi Temple. Members of the Hindu community of all the 13 karas including the five karayogams of the petitioners take part in the celebration of the temple festival. Essentially it is submitted that there are three specific functions to be performed in connection with the temple festival. From each kara, kettukazhcha and chariot will be prepared and brought to the temple. Expenses are incurred for preparing the kettukazhcha and chariot by Hindu inhabitants of these karas. According to the petitioners, such collections/contributions are raised only from members of the N.S.S karayogams in the respective karas. The respondents/representatives of the Haindava Karayogams contend that such collections/contributions are raised not exclusively from the members of the N.S.S Karayogams, but from the members of the Hindu community in the respective karas.
(2.) BE that as it may, it is not disputed that in respect of these 5 karas, the respective N.S.S Karayogams do make collections and contributions and utilise the same for preparing the kettukazhchas and the chariots. Not only do they receive contributions and collections from people, they do also receive payments from the Travancore Devaswom Board for such activities in connection with the temple festival. It is not disputed that in respect of these 5 karas, it is the N.S.S Karayogams concerned, who make the collections and contributions and receive amounts from the Travancore Devaswom Board.
(3.) AS identical questions are raised in these two petitions, we have chosen to dispose of these Writ Petitions by this common judgment.