DHARMADHAR MAHASTHAVIR, REV. Vs. BENGAL BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In or about 1892, Rev. Kripasharan Mahasthavir, a devout Buddhist monk, founded a society and/or an association named Bauddha Dharmankur Sabha, also known as the Bengal Buddhist Association, (hereinafter referred to as the Association), with the object, inter alia, of advancing the cause and propagating the religion of Buddhism. In 1915, the said Association was for the first time registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

(2.) It is not disputed that in or about 1903 or 1904 a Buddhist -temple and/or monastery and/or Vihara (hereinafter referred to as the said Vihara) was built in a plot of land known as No. 1, Buddhist Temple Street, out of public donations.

(3.) It is also undisputed that Rev. Kripasharan was the first President of the Association, as also the first High Priest of the said Vihara and that till November 5, 1961, Rev. Dharmadhar Mahasthavir, the Plaintiff in this suit, was the Resident High Priest at the said Vihara.