BISHOP DIOCESAN OFFICE Vs. A JOHNSON

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Johnson, the first respondent herein filed the suit seeking declaration that the resolution dated 23.12.1996 removing him from the membership of C.S.I. Church, Chengode, is illegal and for consequential injunction restraining the defendants/appellant and respondents 2 and 3 herein from taking any action against him on the basis of the said resolution.

(2.) After trial, the suit was decreed in favour of the plaintiff, the first respondent herein. Even in the appeal filed by the defendants1 and 2, the said judgment and decree of the trial Court were confirmed. Hence, the second appeal.

(3.) According to the plaintiff, the first respondent herein, he is one of the members of the Church, viz., Chenkodi Pastorate Church within the Kanniyakumari C.S.I. Diocese. The plaintiff was appointed as Honourary Manager of the Diocesan Book Depot on 8.8.1988. The first defendant Bishop is the Ex-officio member of the Book Depot. Since the plaintiff supported the Secretary of the Church, the Bishop developed ill-feeling towards the plaintiff. Since one Ebenezer working as Sales Officer committed misappropriation, the defendants without any notice to the plaintiff, putting the blame on the plaintiff, passed an order forfeiting the membership of the plaintiff. Hence, the plaintiff filed the suit for declaration that the said order is invalid and for consequential injunction.