MIDDE SANKARAIAH Vs. STATE OF A.P.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Assailing the proceedings in Rc.No.E2/15021/307/2021 dtd. 22/3/2022 issued by respondent No.2/Commissioner, Endowments Department, appointing Executive Officer to Sri Moola Peddamma Devatha Temple, W. Govindinne, Dornipadu Mandal, Kurnool District, the above writ petition is filed.

(2.) The facts, in brief, are that Sri Moola Peddamma Devatha Temple, W. Govindinne, Dornipadu Mandal, Kurnool District (hereinafter referred to 'the Temple'), is an ancient Temple, existing from more than 400 years. Temple possesses agricultural land admeasuring Ac.3-50 cents in survey No.373/C. Lease amount from the agricultural lands and Hundi collections are the main source of income. Petitioners are committee members.

(3.) a) Separate counter affidavits were filed on behalf of respondent No.2 and 3 with similar averments. It was contended inter alia, that the Temple is an ancient Temple, published as per serial No.2470 under Sec. 6 (c) (ii) vide R.D.S.No.J3/28397/1990. Temple owns Ac.4-35 cents of land in survey No.373/2c and also has ten rooms which were constructed in the premises of the Temple, with the help of donors. The income of the Temple during the year, 2014, as per the report submitted by the then Executive Officer of respondent No.4, is Rs.17,80,000.00.