THANG LUNGA DARLONG Vs. L.V. DARLONG

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. P. Roy Barman, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. K. Nath, learned counsel appearing for the appellants, who as plaintiffs have instituted the present suit against the defendant-respondents, here-in-after referred to as the defendants. Also heard Mr. Raju Datta, learned counsel for the defendant-respondents.

(2.) The plaintiffs, the appellants herein had instituted the suit for declaration that the plaintiffs are in peaceful possession of the suit land and they are only authorized to perform their religious rites and functions in the Church and also for a decree directing the defendants not to enter into the suit land or create any disturbance to the peaceful possession and religious activities of the plaintiffs.

(3.) The suit of the plaintiffs/appellants was contested by the defendants/ respondents by filing written statement. It is stated in the written statement that the defendants belong to Christian religion and they have to worship in the Church and the plaintiffs have no right to object, and the Church is not in the possession of the plaintiffs as the Church is open for all. It is also pleaded that in the year 1968 the said Church was registered by the Registrar of Society, Assam, Shillong on 26/3/1969 vide No. 100 of 1968-1969 and as per registration certificate name of the church is "The United Pentecostal Church of North East India" (for short, "UPCNEI") and not "United Pentecostal Church" (for short, "UPC") and after registration of the Church, the plaintiffs are no longer the office bearers of the Church and they have no locus standi to file the suit. Thus, the defendants no. 1 to 4 prayed for dismissal of the suit of the plaintiffs.