Holding

The Supreme Court held that the merger resolution is valid because the Synod, as the highest authority, lawfully sanctioned the union, the dispute concerns a civil right of worship, and Section 6 of the Religious Societies Act does not apply, rendering the resolution not ultra vires.

Summary

The respondents, members of the United Basel Mission Church (UBMC) of South Kanara and Coorg, sued to declare a 1961 resolution proposing merger with the Church of South India (CSI) void, illegal and ultra vires the UBMC Constitution and the Religious Societies Act, 1880. The trial court dismissed the suit, but the High Court reversed, holding that fundamental doctrinal differences made the merger unlawful. The Supreme Court examined whether the dispute over the right of worship was a civil matter under Section 9 of the CPC, whether the District Church Council had authority to pass the merger resolution, and whether Section 6 of the Religious Societies Act applied. It held that the right of worship is a civil right, the Synod—being the highest authority—had validly sanctioned the merger, and Section 6 does not govern such a union, so the resolution was legal and valid. Consequently, the appeal was allowed, setting aside the High Court judgment and restoring the lower courts' orders.

Issues considered

The dispute over the right of worship is a civil matter within Section 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Whether the resolution for merger was ultra vires the UBMC Constitution and the Religious Societies Act, 1880.
Whether the District Church Council possessed the power to pass a merger resolution or only to amend the Constitution.
Whether Section 6 of the Religious Societies Act, 1880 applies to the merger resolution.
Whether there exists a fundamental doctrinal difference between UBMC and CSI affecting the right of worship.
Whether the merger would result in a breach of trust concerning UBMC property.

Legislation cited

Subjects

right of worshipreligious societieschurch mergerconstitutional authoritycivil suittrust propertyepiscopacydoctrinesection 9 CPCsection 6 Religious Societies Actspecial leave

Judgment

-·- - - ----------------------------------

DISTI. COUNCIL OF UNITED BASEL MISSION A
CHURCH & ORS.
v. .

•.et·,;.~. \·1 .VADOR NICHOLAS MATHIAS & ORS .
• ,.ff~ ''' -~~·

JANUARY 20,' 1988 B

[MURARI MOHON DU'IT AND M.H. KANIA, JJ.I

Challenging resolution proposing merger of United Basel Mission
Church (UBMC) of South Kanara and Coorg with the Church of South
India (C.S.I.), as void, illegal and ultra vires the provisions of Religious
Societies Act, !880. ·
c
The respondents, members of the United Basel Mission Church
(U.B.M.C.) of South Kanara and Coorg, instituted a suit in the Court·
of Munsif, Mangalore, praying for a declaration that the resolution
dated May 9, 1961, passed hi the extraordinary meeting of the District D
Church Council of UBMC of South Kanara and Coorg, proposing the
merger of UB~IC of South Kanara and Coorg with the Church of South
India (C.S.I.). was v·oid, illegal and ultra vires the constitution of the
UBM C and also the provisions of the Religious Societies Act, 1880, and
not' binding on the respondents/plaintiffs or other members of the
UBMC of South Kanara and Coorg • .The suit was .contested by the E
appellants defendants. The trial Court dismissed the suit, holding that
(i) the suit was maintainable but the respondents were not entitled to file
the suit in a representative character, representing the UBMC ofSoutb
Kanara & Coorg, (ii) there was no fundamental difference between the
UBMC and CSI, and (iii) the impugned resolution was legal and valid._
The respondents filed appeal against the judgrnent of the .trial court ... F
which was dismissed hy the Additional Civil Judge, who,. however. held
that the respondents were entitled to file the suit In a representative
character. The respondents preferred a second· appeal to the High
Court against the judgment and decree of the Additional Civil Judge.
The High Court (Single Judge) took'· a contrary view and allowed the
appeal, holding that there were fundamental differences in doctrine. G
faith, tradition, heritage and practices between UBMC and CSI; and
the resolution impugned was illegal and void. Aggrieved by the decision
of .the High Court, the appellants moved this Court for relief by special
leave.

Allowing the appeal. the Court H
737
738 SUPREME COURT REPORTS 11988] 2 S.C.R.

A HELD: It was well-established that the dispute as to the right of
worship was one of a civil nature within the meaning of section 9 of the
Code of Civil Procedure and a suit was maintainable for the vindication
or determination of such a right. It must he made clear that maintaina-
bility of the suit would not permit a Court to consider the soundness or
pq1priety of any religious doctrine, faith or rituals. The scope of
B enquiry in such a suit was limited to those aspects only that had a direct
hearing on the question of right of worship, and with a view to consider-
ing such a question, the Court might examine the doctrines, faith,
rituals and practices for the purpose of ascertaining whether the same
interfered with the right of worship of the aggrieved parties. In view of
section 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the enquiry should he confined
to the disputes of a civil nature. Any dispute, which was not of a civil
c nature should he excluded from consideration. l745B, D-F]

Both the churches were Protestant Churches. The fundamental
doctrines, faith and belief appeared to he the same. Both UBMC and
CSI believed in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God the Redeamer of
D the World. Both also believed that man was saved from sin through
grace in Jesus Christ. Both believed in the Holy Spirit and in the
Supreme Power of' Holy Spirit and .that there should he free access of
man to God. l745G-H; 746AJ

U.B.M.C. was a Presbyterian Church and the respondents did
E not believe in the concept of Episcopacy or apostolic succession,
associated with historic Episcopacy. UBMC was opposed to Episco-
pacy, but Episcopacy, adopted by the CSI was not that historic Episco-
pacy, but historic Episcopacy in a constitutional form. The CSI believed ;.
that in all ordinations and consecrationsthe true ordainer and consec-
rater was God. From all this, the irresisti~le conclusion was that there~·
F was neither apostolic succession nor historical Episcopacy in CSI as :..';
contended on behalf of the respondents. l746B-C, E-FJ

The respondents placed much reliance on the universal prie-
. sthood. That was said to be prevalent in UBMC. The submission
in this regard, however, did not find support from the constitution
G of UBMC. The universal priesthood, which was said to he prevalent
in UBMC, did not permit lay preachers· and Evangelists to adminis-
ter the sacraments.1747C, GJ

In the CSI, Presbyters had the authority to administer the sacra-
ments and in the UBMC, the Pastors, who were ordained ministers,
H were authorised to administer the sacraments. There was, therefore, no
DISIT. COUNCIL OF U.B.M.C. v. S.N. MATIIIAS 739

-{ distinction between a pastor in the UBMC and a Presbyter in the CSI. A
As the functions and duties of Presbyters and Pastors were the same and
as both of them were ordained ministers, no exception could be taken by
the respondents if the sacraments were administered by Pastors instead
of the Presbyters. No objection could also be taken to the Bishops
administering the sacraments, for they did not emerge from the
apostolic succession which was the main characteristic of historical B
t episcopacy. If the respondents or any members of the UBMC had any
objection to the administering of sacraments by the Bishops, the sacra-
1 ments could be administered by the Presbyters. The Malabar and
Bombay·Karnataka Units of UBMC had already joined the CSI. The
CSI had accepted already the form of worship followed in the UBMC
before the Union of the two nnits with the CSI, and such acceptance was C
, indicated in Rule 12 of Chapter II of the Constitution of the CSI, and in
view of this it was difficult to accept the contention of the respondents
that in case of merger or implementation of the impugned resolution,
the right of worship of the impugned resolution, the right of worship of
the members of the UBMC would be affected. 1[748A·FI
D
After a person was appointed a Bishop or a Presbyter in the CSI
or a Pastor in UBMC, he had to be ordained in almost the same man-
ner. The Court did not think it was within the purview of the enquiry in
thisUtigation whether such ordination in the CSI had a spiritual signifi·
cance of a transfer of grace or whether it was only a symbol of confer·
ment of authority, so far as UBMC was concerned. The mode or man- E
ner of ordination or the underlying object of such ordination had, in the
Court's opinion, nothing to do with the right of worship of the
respondents. [749B-C]

Both UBMC and CSI believed in Apostles Creed and Nicene
~reed. If shorter Catechism, as stated by D. W. 1 consisted of the F
' ... Creeds in the form of questions and answers, the Court did not think
that merely because there was no mention about Shorter Catechism in
the Constitution of the CSI, it could be said that there was a difference
in the faith and doctrine of the two Churches, as held by the High
Court. [749F·GI
...' G
There was no cause for apprehension of the respondents that in
Y case of merger, the Apocrypha would be imposed upon them which was
repugnant to their religious faith, in the liturgy of the CSI, the prayer
from Apocrypha had been made optional which showed that there was no
scope for the imposition of Apocrypha on the respondents in the case of
Union ofUBMC and CSI. [751A·B) H
740 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1988) 2 S.C.R.

A As regards the properties of the UBMC, even though there
was merger, the properties or the income thereof would he utilised
only for the benefit of the members of the UBMC of the South
Kanara and Coorg. It was difficult to accept the contention of the
respondents that in the case of merger, there would be diversion of
the properties in the hands of the UBMC Trust Association to the
B CSI in breach of trust. [7S2B-CJ

There was little or no difference between the doctrines, faith and.
religious views of UBMC and the CSI. The objection of the respondents
to historical Episcopacy had no solid foundation inasmuch as historical
Episcopacy was not in existence in the true sense of the term in the CSI, ~
and it was none in a constitutional form. In other words, the Bishops
c were elected and Apostolic succession which was associated with histori-
cal Episcopacy, was totally absent. The observations made in General
Assembly of Free Church of S.cotland v. Lord Overtoun, [1904) AC
SIS, could not in any event be applicable to the facts of this case, which
are different from the said Free Church C/lSe. [7S3F·HI
D
As regards the question whether the District Church Council had
the authority to 1~ass the impugned resolution, it was true that the
District Church Council had only the power of amendment of the Con·
stitution and no power had been conferred on it to pass a resolution
relating to the union of the UBM C of South Kanara and Coorg with the
E CSI, but the Synod was the highest authority and the Synod of UBMC
had the power to sanction merger of any unit of UBMC in the CSI, and
the Synod passed a resolution, permitting the District Church Council
of South Kanara and Coorg to join the Church of South India-CSL As
the Synod was a representative body of the units, it stood dissolved after
passing the said resolution, but until such a resolution was passed, it~
F existed as the hi1:hest authoritative and administrative body of the \
UBMC. !7S7 A·B, E-FI

The challenge to the validity of the resolution impugned on the
ground of violation of the provisions of section 6 of the Religious

G
Societies Act, 1880, was misconceived and without any substance. The
section dealt with the dissolution of societies and adjustment of their
.'
affairs. There was no question of dissolution of UBMC of South Kanara
and Coorg and disposal of settlement of its property, claims and
liabilities, etc., and as such the provision of section 6 was not at all
applicable to this case. [7S8C-D I

H The Court disagreed with the Hi~h Court that the impugned
DISIT. COUNCIL OF U.B.M.C. v. S.N. MATHIAS (DUIT, J.J 741

resolution violated the provision of section 6 of the Religious Societies A
Act, and in view of the fact that the Synod had unanimously accorded
jl_ermission for the merger, the High Court was not justified in striking
down the said resolution. On the ground that it was beyond the author-
ity of the District Church Council to pass such a resolution. The
impugned resolution was legal and valid. [758E-F)
B
Ugamsingh and Mishrimal v. Kesrimal, [1971) 2 S.C.R. 836;
Thiru-venkata Ramanuja Pedda Jiyyangarlu Valu v. Prathivathi
Bhayan Karam Venkatacharlu, A.I.R. 1947 PC 53; General Assembly
of Free Church of Scotland v. Lord Overtoun, [1904) AC 515 and N.P.
Barwellv.JohnJackson, A.I.R.1943All.146.

-1 CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Civil Appeal No. 84 of C
1975.

From the Judgment and Order dated 19.4.1974 of the Karnataka
High Court in R.S.A. No. 741of1971. ·
' D
"-' T.S. Krishnamurthy Iyers, ATM Sampath and Srinivasa Anand
(_ for_ the Appellants.
B.P. Halda, S.S. ~veli and Ranjit Kumar for the Respondents.
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
E
DUTT, J. This appeal by special leave at the instance of the
defendants is directed- against the judgment and decree of a learned
Single Judge of the Karnataka High Court whereby the learned Judge
reversed the judgment and decree of the Additional Civil Judge, Man-
galore, affirming those of the Munsif, Mangalore, dismissing the suit
filed by the plaintiff-respondents. F

The respondents, whq are the members of the United Basel Mis-
sion Church (for short 'UBMC') of South Kanara and Coorg, insti-
tuted a suit in the court of the Munsif, Mangalore, praying for a decla-
ration that the resolution dated May 9, ,1961 ·passed in the extra-
ordinary ineeting of the District Church Council of UBMC of South G
Kanara and Coorg proposing the merger of UBMC of South Kanara
and Coorg with the Church of South India was void, illegal and ultra
vires the Constitution of UBMC and also the provisions of the Religi-
ous Societies Act, 1880 and not binding on the respondents or other
members of UBMC of South Kanara and Coorg. The respondents also
prayed for a permanent in junction restraining the defendants-appel- H
742 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1988] 2 S.C.R.

A !ants from implementing the said resolution. r
The Evangelical Missionary Society in Base. \.t>asel Ml.sion),
which, is a religious Society, consisting of missionaries of different
denominational churches of Switzerland and Germany constituted
UBMC in South Kanara, Coorg, Malabar and North Kamataka for the
purpose of ,spreading the Gospel. The UBMC has a written constitu-
tion (Ex. A-1). Under the Constitution, the UBMC is divided in three
Ecclesiastical Districts, namely, the South Kanara and Coorg,
Bombay-Kamataka and Malabar. Each District had its own represen-
tative "body known as the District Church Council to supervise the
work of the churches. The District Church Board was the Executive
body consisting of a few members of the District Church Council. The
c highest authority of UBMC is a body known as Synod which is con-
stituted with the representatives of the District Church Councils, the
· Basel Mission and certain e.x; officio members.

In 1905, a number of Congregational Churches under the
D London Mission Society united with the Congregational Churches and
the Presbyterian Churches in South India and such union came to be
called the South Indian United Church. Subsequently, the South India
'United Church and the Anglican Church in South India came to be
united and this union brought into existence the Church of South India
(for short 'CSI') in 1941. /
E
After the creation of CSI, there had been a move that the
. churches in the three Districts of UBMC should join the CSI. Indeed
·in 1943, the Malabar District Church of UBMC joined the CSI with
the approval of the Synod. Further, it appears that the Bombay-
Kamataka Unit of UBMC had also joined the CSI. The only Unit of
'··· .. F UBMC that remained is the South Kanara and Coorg Unit. By the
· impugned resolution dated May 9, 1961, the majority of members of
the District Church Council of UBMC of the South Kanara and Coorg
.. decided to join the CSI. Being aggrieved by the said resolution and to
g'et rid of the same, the respondents instituted the said suit in a rep-
resentative character under Order 1;Rule 8 of the Code of Civil Proce-
G · dure .as representing the members of UBMC of South Kanara and
Coorg .
....._
The case of the respondents is inter alia that they are Protestant
Christians belonging to the Ecclesiastical Districts of South Kanara
and Coorg of UBMC. Every member of UBMC has a right vested in
H him unde·r its Constitution to be a member of a District Church Board
_,, DISIT. COUNCIL OF U.B.M.C. v. S.N. MAIBIAS IDUIT, J.] 743

and District Church Council and to administer the properties vested in A
them and to manage their affairs. These rights guaranteed under the
Constitution cannot be altered or abridged except under Rule 14 of the
Constitution providing for amendment. According to the respondents,
the CSI is fundamentally different in doctrine, faith, worship, tradi-
tion, heritage and practices from UBMC of South Kanara and Coorg.
~ An important distinguishing fundamental principle is the principle of B
Episcopacy adopted by the CSI, but rejected by the UBMC, which
cherishes as a great treasure the principle that priesthood i& given to all
believers. It is the case of the r~spondents that the Union of UBMC
and CSI would be colourable one, since there can be no union of two
- ~- bodies holding fundamentally different doctrines and believing in dif-
, ferent declarations of faith. It is contended that the impugned resolu-
tion is ultra vires Rule 14 of the Constitution of UBMC. The resolution
c
is also bad, since it is beyond the power of the District Church Council
to dissolve the Constitution. It is alleged that the funds and properties
of UBMC are held in trust for the propagation and advancement t>f the
/
faith and doctrine of UBMC and, as such, they cannot be diverted to
different purposes. It is contended that the majority who disagree with D
the doctrine and faith of UBMC cannot impose on the minority a
. ritual, a ministry, and a Constitution opposed to the doctrinal faith of
UBMC. Upon the said pleadings, the suit was instituted for the reliefs
aforesaid.

The suit was contested by the appellants by filing a written state- E
ment. It was contended that the .suit was not one of a civil nature
within the meaning of section 9 of the Code of Civil Proced~re and,
accordingly, it was not maintainable. Further, the contention of the
appellants was that the respondents did not represent the members of
-UBMC and so the respondents were not entitled to sue the appeila.'lts
in a representative capacity as representing the members of UBMC in F
South Kanara and Coorg. It was denied by them that there was any
fundamental difference between UBMC and CSI in doctrine, faith,
worship, tradition, heritage and practices. It was averred that the Con-
stitution of the CSI and the doctrinal faith, the ministry and the form
of worship adopted by the CSI were in no way fundamentally different
from those adopted and practised by the UBMC. The Protestant G
Churches were not committed: to any doctrine regarding historic
Episcopacy. The constitutional Episcopacy adopted by the CSI was
not contrary to the Presbyterian heritage and the ministers of UBMC
were also ordained. The freedom of interpretation given with regard
to the Creeds was not opposed to the union.. The contention of the
respondents that in case of merger, there would be diversion of the H
744 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1988] 2 S.C.R.

A properties of the UBMC was emphatically disputed by the appellants.
It was averred that as the impugned resolution was passed by an over-
whelming majority of the members of UBMC it was binding upon the
respondents. They denied that the resolution was ultra vires Rule 14 of
the Constitution of UBMC. The appellants, accordingly, prayed that
the suit should be dismissed.
B
The respondents examined the 4th plaintiff as P. W. 1 and the i lii
"
appellants also examined on their behalf the Moderator (Head
Bishop) of CSI as D.W. 1. Both parties filed and proved a number of ' • ;;..
documents in support of their respective cases.
t
j
C The learned Munsif, after considering the evidences and the sub- 1

missions made on behalf of the parties, came to the findings that the )--
suit was maintainable but the respondents were not entitled to file the
suit in a representative character as representing the UBMC of South
Kanara and Coorg. Further, the learned Munsif found that there was
no fundamental difference between UBMC and CSI in matters of
D doctrine, faith, worship, tradition, heritage and practices. The
impugned resolution was held by the learned Munsif to be legal and
valid. Upon the said findings, the learned Munsif dismissed the suit.
On appeal by the respondents, the learned Additional Civil Judge
came to the same findings as that of the learned Munsif except that it
was held by him that the respondents were entitled to file the suit in a y
E representative character. The appeal preferred by the respondents
was, consequently, dismissed by the learned Additional Civil Judge. •
Being aggrieved by the judgment and decree of the learned ;-.
Additional Civil Judge, the respondents preferred a second appeal to
the High Court. A learned Single Judge of the High Court took.JI.A·
F contrary view and held that there were fundamental differences in --\,
doctrine, faith, worship, tradition, heritage and practices between I
UBMC and CSL The impugned resolution was held by the learned
Judge as illegal and void. The learned Judge, accordingly, allowed the
appeal of the respondents and set aside the judgments and decrees of
the first appellate court and of the trial court and dismissed the suit. ;,, ~
G Hence this appeal.

The first point that has been urged by Mr. Krishnamurthy lyet,
learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the appellants, is that the
dispute between the parties is not one of a civil nature and, as such, the
suit was not maintainable. It has been already noticed that all the
H -courts below including the High Court have concurrently come to the
DISIT. COUNCIL OF U.B.M.C. v. S.N MATHIAS [DUIT, J.J 745

finding that the suit was of a civil nature within the meaning of section
A
9 of the Code of Civil Procedure and, accordingly, it was maintainable.
.. It is the case of the respondents that if the impugned resolution is
implemented or, in other words, UBMC of South Kanara and Coorg is
allowed to merge in CSI, the right of worship of the members of
UBMC will be affected. It is now well established that the dispute as to
right of worship is one of a civil nature within the meaning of section 9 B
of the Code of Civil Procedure and a suit is maintainable for the
vindication or determination of such a right. The question came up for

. consideration before this Court in Ugamsingh & Mishrimal v. Kesri-
mal, [1971] 2 SCR 836 where this Court observed as follows:

"It is clear therefore that a right to worship is a civil right,
interference with which raises a dispute of a civil nature
c
though as noticed earlier disputes which are in respect of
rituals or ceremonies alone cannot be adjudicated by Civil
Courts if they are not essentially connected with Civil rights.
of an individual or a sect on behalf of whom a suit is filed."
D
In the instant case also, there is a question as to whether the right
of worship of the respondents will be affected in case of implementa-
tion of the impugned resolution. It must be made clear that maintaina-
bility of the suit will not permit a court to consider the soundness or
propriety of any religious doctrine, faith or rituals. The scope of the
enquiry in such a suit is limited to those aspects only that have direct E
bearing on the question ofright of worship and with a view to consider-
ing such question the court may examine the doctrines, faith, rituals
and practices for the purpose of ascertaining whether the same
·"- interfere with the right of worship of the aggrieved parties. In view of
_ section 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the enquiry of the court
~hould be confined to the disputes of a civil nature. Any dispute which F
.,. is not of a civil nature should be excluded from consideration.

It is the case of the respondents that there is a fundamental
difference in doctrine, faith, worship tradition, heritage and practices
between UBMC of South Kanara and Coorg and the CSI and in case of
implementation of the impugned resolution leading to the merger of G
UBMC with CSI, the right of worship of the respondents would be
greatly affected. Both the Churches are Protestant Churches. The
fundamental doctrines, faith and belief appear to be the same. Both
UBMC and CSI believe in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God and
Redeemer of the World. Both also believe that man is saved from sin
through Grace in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Both the Churches H

;/
746 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [19881 2 S.C.R.

A believe in The Holy Spirit and in the Supreme power of the Holy Spirit
and that there should be free-access of man to God.

One of the principal objections of the respondents to the merger
of UBMC with CSI is that CSI believes in Episcopacy which is said to
have been rejected by the UBMC. The High Court had devoted sev-
B era! pages .relating to the origin, growth and other aspects of Episco-
pacy. It is not necessary for us to consider the origin or growth of
Episcopacy and suffice it to say that Episcopacy means Church ruled f
'
by Bishops. UBMC is a Presbyterian Church and according to the 1r- '
respondents they do not believe in the concept of Episcopacy or
apostolic succession which is associated with historic Episcopacy. Rule
C 11 of the Constitution of CS! (Ex. B-39) provides, inter alia, that CS!
accepts and will maintain the historic·Episcopacy in a constitutional
form. Rule 11 further provides that as Episcopacy has been accepted in
the Church from early times, it may in this sense fitly be called historic
and that it is needed for the shepherding and extension of the Church
in South India and any additional interpretations, though held by indi-
D viduals, are not binding on the CSL

It is true UBMC is opposed to Episcopacy, but Episcopacy which
has been adopted by the CS!, is not that historic Episcopacy, but
historic Episcopacy in a constitutional form. In other words, the
Bishop will be one of the officials of the Church under its Constitution
E performing certain duties and functions. The Bishops are appointed by
election and there are provisions for the retirement of Bishops at the
age of 65 years, and also for their removal. It is significant to notice
that CSI believes that in all ordinations and consecrations the true
ordainer and consecrator is God. From all this, the irresistible conclu- r--
sion is that there is neither apostolic succession nor historical Episco-
F pacy in CSI as contended on behalf of the respondents. -~~~.

The grievance of the respondents is that universal priesthood
that is recognised in UBMC is not there in the CSL In view of such
universal priesthood, a layman can administer sacraments in UBMC.
It is not disputed that there are two sacraments, namely (1) Lord's
.
/

G Supper and (2) Baptism. It is urged that in the CSI a layman cannot
administer these sacraments, and it is only the ordained minister who
can administer the sacraments. It is contended that the absence of
universal priesthood in the CSI is due to the fact that Episcopacy is still
maintained there. The learned Judge of the High Court observes that
Presbyters under the CSI are ordained persons whereas Presbyters in
H UBMC are all unordained elders. In the CSI, only the Bishops and the
DISTI. COUNCIL OF U.B.M.C. v. S.N. MATHIAS [DUTI, J.J 747

l Presbyters who are ordained ministers can administer sacraments of A
Lord's Supper. But in UBMC, the sacraments can be administered by
. ~. a layman. It is submitted on behalf of the respondents that in case of
union of UBMC with the CSI, the form of worship willchange and that
the person doing the service of Holy Communion, that is Lord's Sup-
per, will be changed and only ordained persons will do the service.
This, it is submitted, will affect the right of worship of the respondents. B

Much reliance has been placed on behalf of the respondents on
·' ~ the universal priesthood that is said to be prevalent in UBMC. The
submission in this regard, however, does not find support from the
Constitution of UBMC. Under the heading "The Local Church",
·'(paragraph 4 of the Constitution of UBMC (Ex. A-1) provides as c
' follows:

"Church workers are those either paid or honorary
ordained or lay, who are appointed by the church for a
definite piece of work under the supervision of the church.
It is the duty of the Pastors appointed to shepherd the D
churches to teach the Word of God, to administer the sac-
raments and to propagate the Gospel among those who
have not yet come to the saving knowledge of Christ.
· Evangelists and lay preachers appointed to the charge of
churches shall have no authority to administer the sacra-
ments. In places where it is impossible for the pastor to E
administer the sacraments regularly, the District Church
Board may give evangelists in pastoral charge authority to
fulfil this duty."

It is apparent from paragraph 4 that Evangelists and lay pre-
-. ~hers have no authority to administer the sacraments. It is only in F
1 exceptional cases where it is impossible for the Pastor to administer
the sacraments regularly, the District Church Board may give
Evangelists in pastoral charge authority to fulfil this duty. Thus, the
universal priesthood which is said to be prevalent in-UBMC, does not
permit lay preachers and Evangelists to administer the sacraments.
' .; G
It is true that in the CSI the Presbyters are ordained persons, but
in UBMC they are unordained, as has been noticed by the learned
Judge. But nothing turns out on that distinction. In UBMC the Pastor
is an ordained minister and paragraph 4 (Ex. A-1), extracted above,
provides that it is the duty of the Pastors to shepherd the churches to
teach the Word of God, to administer the sacraments and to propagate H
748 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1988] 2 S.C.R.

A the Gospel among those who have not yet come to the saving 'r-
knowledge of Christ. While a Presbyter in the CSI is an ordained
minister, in UBMC the ordained minister is a Pastor. In the CSI Pre- r
sbyters have the authority to administer the sacraments and in UBMC
the Pastors, who are ordained ministers, are authorised to administer
the sacraments. There is, therefore, no distinction between a Pastor in
B UBMC and a Presbyter in the CSL As the functions and duties of
Presbyters and Pastors are the same and as both of them are ordained 1
ministers, no exception can be taken by the respondents if the sacra-
ments are administered by Pastors instead of by the Presbyters. No
objection can also be taken to the Bishops administering the sacra-
ments, for they do not emerge from the apostolic successsion which is
C the main characteristic of historical episcopacy. If the respondents or j
~

__ -
any of the members of UBMC have or has any objection to the '
administering of sacraments by the Bishops, the sacraments can be )'-
administered by the Presbyters. It may be recalled that units of
UBMC, namely, Malabar and Bombay-Karnataka units have already
joined the CSL The CSI has accepted the form of worship which used
D to be followed in UBMC before the union of the two units with CSI,
and such acceptance has been indicated in Rule 12 of Chapter II of the
Constitution of CSI (Ex. B-39). Rule 12 specifically provides that no
forms of worship, which before the union have been in use in any of
the united churches, have been forbidden in the CSI, nor shall any
wonted forms be changed or new forms be introduced into the worship
E of any congregation without the agreement of the Pastor and the con-
gregation arrived at in accordance with the conditions laid down in
Chapter X of the Constitution. Thus, the CSI has already accepted the
form of worship which the members of UBMC used to follow before
the union of UBMC with the CSL In view of this specific provision in ""
Ex. B-39, it is difficult tJ accept the contention of the respondents that
F in case of merger or the implementation of the impugned resolutiorr;'l-
the right of worship of the members of UBMC will be affected. '

The learned Judge of the High Court has referred to the manner
of consecration and ordination in the CSL Clause (iv) of Rule 11,
Chapter II of Ex. B-39, inter alia, provides that every ordination of
G Presbyters shall be performed by the laying on of hands by the
Bishops and Presbyters, and all consecrations of Bishops shall be
performed by the laying on of hands at least of three Bishops. Clause (iv)
further provides that the CSI believes that "in all ordinations and
consecrations the Ordainer and Consecrator is God who in response to
the prayers of His Church, and through the words and acts of its
H representatives, commissions and empowers for the office and work to
DISTI. COUNCIL OF U.B'.M.C. v. S.N. MATillAS [DUTI, J.J 749

l'. which they are called the persons whom it has selected". It may be
mentioned here that in UBMC the method of consecration and ordina- A
-~ tion is also the same as in the CSL After an elaborate discussion, the
learned Judge of the High Court has come to the conclusion that the
laying of hands on the person to be ordained in the case of Episcopal
Church, meaning thereby the CSI, has a spiritual significance of a
transfer of Grace, whereas it has no such spiritual significance in B
UBMC, but is a symbol of conferment of authority only. After a
t person is appointed a Bishop' or a Presbyter in the CSI or a Pastor in

t i UBMC, he has to be ordained in almost the same manner as indicated
above. We do not think it is within the purview of the enquiry in this
litigation whether such ordination in the CSI has a spiritual significance
-\ of a transfer of Grace or whether it is only a symbol of conferment of
authority, so far as UBMC is concerned. The mode or manner of c
~~ ordination or the underlying of such ordination has, in our opinion,
nothing to do with the right of worship of the respondents.

UBMC believes in Apostle's Creed and Nicene Creed. Creeds
are biographical sketches of Lord Jesus and they are the main items of D
all Church Services. Under its Constitution (Ex. B-39), the CSI also
accepts the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed. The complaint of
the respondents is that while the Shorter Catechism of Luther is placed
on the same footing as the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed in
UBMC, there is no reference to this in Constitution (Ex. B-39) of the
CSI. The Shorter Catechism of Luther is the instruction in the form of E
a series of questions and answers to be learnt by every person before
he is baptised. According to D.W. 1, the Shorter Catechism of Luther
is a statement of faith in the form of questions and answers based upon
-" Scriptures and Creeds intended to be used in instructing those who are
. to be baptised. That statement of D.W. 1 has not been challenged in
-,~·cross-examination on behalf of the respondents. Both UBMC and the F
~ CSI believe in Apostle's Creed and Nicene Creed. If Shorter Catech-
' ism, as stated by D.W. 1, consists of the Creeds in the form of ques-
tions and answers, we do not think that merely because there is no
mention about Shorter Catechism in the Constitution of the CSI (Ex.
B-39), it can be said that there, is a difference in the faith and doctrine
of the two Churches as held by the learned Judge. Moreover, this has G
nothing to do with the right of worship of the respondents and, accord-
ingly, we do not think we are called upon to consider the effect of
non-mention of Shorter Catechism in Ex. B-39.

It is, however, urged on behalf of the respondents that the right
of worship of the respondents will be greatly affected in case of union H
750 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1988] 2 S.C.R.

of the two Churches, as the CSI uses in prayers Apocrypha, the mean-
A
ing of which will be indicated presently. The Bible consists of 66 'Can-
nonical Books'-39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the
New Testament. Later on 14 additional books were added to the Old
Testament. These 14 additional books are together named 'Apocry-
pha'. The Bible that CSI uses contains not only "Canonical Books",
B but also those 14 books known as 'Apocrypha'. It is apprehended by
the respondents that in case of merger, there is a possibility of their
being subjected to accept Apocrypha in their prayers stated to be.
prevalent in the CSL It is submitted by the learned Counsel for the
respondents that as Apocrypha has been eschewed completely and not
at all used in Church Service by UBMC, it would affect the right of
worship of the respondents by reason of merger, as Apocrypha would
c be imposed on them.

In support of the contention, much reliance has been placed by
the learned Counsel for the respondents on a decision of the Privy
Council in Thiruvenkata Ramanuja Pedda Jiyyangar/u Valu v. Pra-
D thivathi Bhayankaram Venkatacharlu, AIR 1947 PC 53. In that case,
there was a dispute between two sections of the Vaishnavites, one
known as Vadagalais and the other as Tengalais. The question that
came up for consideration by the Privy Council was whether in the
Vaishnavite temples, situate in Trimulai and in Tripatti, worship
would be conducted exclusively in Tengalai order or the Vadagalai
E ritual would form part of the worship in these temples. The Privy
Council came to the conclusion that Vadagalai community was not
entitled to interfere with Tengalai ritual in the worship in those tem-
ples by insisting on reciting their own "Manthram" simultaneously
with the Tengalai "Manthram". The suit instituted by the High-Priest
of the Tengalai community was decreed and the Vedagalai community
F was restrained from interfering with the Tengalai ritual in worship in
those temples conducted by the appellant or his deputy by insisting on
reciting their own "Manthram" simultaneously with the Tengalai
''Manthram".

The above decision of the Privy Council only Jays down that if
G the right of worship is interfered with, the persons responsible for such .lr
interference can be restrained by an order of injunction. Even if
Apocrypha is followed in the CSI that would not interfere with the
right of worship of the respondents. We have already referred to Rule
12, Chapter II of the Constitution of the CSI (Ex. B-39), inter alia,
providing that no forms of worship, which before the union have been
H in use in any of the united churches, shall be forbidden in the CSI, nor
DISIT. COUNCIL OF U.B.M.C. v. S.N. MATiilAS (DUIT, J.J 751

-1,- shall any wonted forms be changed or new forms introduced into the
worship of any congregation; There is, therefore, no cause for A
apprehension of the respondehts that in case of merger, the Apo-
crypha will be imposed upon th~m which is repugnant to their religious
faith. Moreover, in the liturgy qf the CSI, the prayer from Apocrypha
has been made optional which shows that there is no scope for the
imposition of Apocrypha on the respondents in case of union of B
UBMC and CSL

It is vehemently urged on .behalf of the respondents that in case
of merger, the property _held in trust by the United Basel Mission
Church in India Trust Association, hereinafter referred to as 'UBMC
-~- Trust Association", for UBMC of South Kanara and Coorg will be
diverted to the CSI and such diversion will be in complete breach of C
-i trust and the court should not allow such breach of trust taking place
by the merger of UBMC of South Kanara and Coorg in the CSL

It is the case of the respondents in the plaint that the properties
of UBMC have been vested by the Evenglical Missionary Societies in D
- Basel (Basel Mission) in the UBMC Trust Association by a declaration
of trust. It appears that by a deed dated September 18, 1934 (Ex.
A-146), the Evenglical Missionary Society in Basel (Basel Missibfi)
declared itself as the trustee seized of or entitled to the lands and
premises mentioned in the schedule to the said deed, holding the same
~ in trust, inter alia, for the benefit of the members of the Church E
founded by the Society in the districts of South Kanara, Bombay,
Karnataka and Malabar known as UBMC in India. Further, it appears
that the said Society appointed the UBMC Trust Association, a Com-
"' pany incorporated under theindian Companies Act, 1913, the mana-
gers of the trust properties, which belong to the Society and not to the
~UBMC Trust Association. Indeed, it has been noticed that in the F
plaint the respondents also admit that the properties belong to the
, Society and the Society holds the ~ame as the trustee for the benefit of
UBMC in India. In case of merger, there cannot be any diversion of
the properties held in trust by the Society and managed by the UBMC
Trust Association. The properties will remain the properties of the
" Society which holds them only fot the purposes as mentioned in the G
said deed (Ex. A-146). In other words, even though there is merger,
r the properties or the income thereof will be utilised only for the
' benefit of the members of the UBMC of South Kanara and Coorg.

Although the UBMC Trust Association and the Society have
been made parties in the suit as defendants Nos. 9 & 10 respectively, H
752 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1988] 2 S.C.R.

A no relief has been claimed against either of them and there is no prayer
for restraining them from diverting the property upon merger. It may
be inferred from the absence of such a prayer that it was known to the f
respondents that there would be no diversion of the properties upon
such merger. It has been rightly observed by the learned Munsif that as
the respondents have not prayed for any relief against the Society and
B the UBMC Trust Association, they cannot urge that UBMC of South
Kanara and Coorg will lose their rights in the properties held by the
UBMC Trust Association, if a merger is permitted with the CSL There +
\
is no material to show that the UBMC Trust Association has agreed to ~
transfer the properties to the CSI in case of merger. There is no allega-
tion in that regard in the plaint. In the circumstances, it is difficult to
accept the contention of the respondents that in case of merger there
c will be diversion of the properties in the hands of the UBMC Trust
Association to the CSI in breach of trust.

Much reliance has been placed on behalf of the respondents in
the decision of the House of Lords in General Assembly of Free
D Church of Scotland v. Lord Overtoun, [19041 AC 515 which, in our
opinion, has no application to the facts and circumstances of the
instant case, in view of our finding that there will be no diversion of the
trust properties in the hands of the UBMC Trust Association to the
CSL What happened in Free Church case was that majority of the
members of Free Church of Scotland united and used the funds, of
E which they claimed to be the beneficial owners, for the use of the new
united body. It was contended on behalf of the minority, who chose to
be out of such union, that the user of such funds constituted breach of
trust. The enquiry in that decision was consequently directed to the
question whether there was a breach of trust or not and it was held by "·
majority of the Law Lords that there was such a breach of trust. As ,,...-
F there is no question of such breach of trust in the instant case, the Free ~
Church case has no manner of application, even though the High
Court had made elaborate discussions over the case and came to the
finding that certain observations made by Lord Halsbury, L.C. were
applicable. It appears that in considering the question as to whether
there was a breach of the trust or not, Lord Halsbury made the follow-
G ing incidental observations:

"My Lords, I am bound to say that after the most careful
examination of the various documents submitted to us, I

c
cannot trace the least evidence of either of them having I
abandoned their original views. It is not the case of two
H associated bodies of Christians in complete harmony as to
D!STI. COUNCIL OF U.B.M.C. v. S.N. MATIIIAS (DUTI, J.] 753

their doctrine agreeing to share their funds, but two bodies A
each agreeing to keep their separate religious views where
they differ- agreeing to make their formularies so elastic
as to admit those who accept them according as their
respective consciences will permit.

Assuming, as I do, that there are differences of belief B
'
' between them, these differences are not got rid of by their
agreeing to say nothing about them nor are these essen-
tially diverse views avoided by selecting so elastic a formul-
ary as can be accepted by people who differ and say !Jtat
they claim their liberty to retain their differences while
'; purporting to join in one Christian Church.
c
It becomes but a colourable union, and no trust fund
devoted to one form of faith can be shared by another
communion simply because they say in effect there are
some parts of this or that confession which we will agree
not to discuss, and we will make our formularies such th&t D
either of us can accept it.

Such an.agreement would not, in my view, constitute
a Church at all, or it would be, to use Sir William Smith's
phrase, a Church without a religion. Its formularies would
be designed not to be a confession of faith, but a conceal- E
ment of such part of the faith as constituted an impediment
to the union."

The observations extracted above have been strongly relied upon
, ~by the learned Counsel for the respondents. According to the obser-
vations, no objection can be taken, if there be complete harmony as to F
their doctrine. As discussed above, there is little or no difference
between the doctrines, faith and religious views of UBMC and the
CSL The objection of the resp9ndents to historical Episcopacy has no
solid foundation inasmuch as historical Episcopacy is not in existence
in the true sense of the term in (he CSI, and it is now in a constitutional
form. In other words, as earlier pointed out, the Bishops are elected G
and apostolic succession which is associated with historical Episco-
pacy, is totally absent. Moreover, the observations in the Free Church
case have been made in connection with the question whether there
was breach of trust or not. Therefore, the said observations cannot, in
any event, be applicable to the facts of the present case which are
different from those in the Fr~e Church case. We, accordingly, reject H
754 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1988] 2 S.C.R.

A t he contention of the respondents that following the observations ~
made by Lord Halsbury, the impugned resolution should be struck
down and the appellants should be restrained from effecting any
merger.

Now the··question that remains to be considered is whether the
B
District Church Council had the authority to pass the impugned resol-
ution for the union of UBMC of South Kanara and ~oorg with the
CSL The impugned resolution dated 9-5-1961 (Ex. A-39) runs as
follows:

"61.04. Afterwards Rev. S.R. Furtado moved the follow- -y·
c ing resolution: '

Resolved that the suggestion, appearing in Minute
60.16 of the District Church Council held on 12-5-60 that
our South Kanara and Coorg District Church should join
the Church of South India, is adopted, confirmed and
D
finally passed.

Therefore, this District Church Council, besides
resolving to accept the constitution of the Church of South
India, authorises the District Church Board to proceed to
correspond in connection with this matter with the authori-
E ties of the Church of South India after obtaining permission
of the Synod of the United Basel Mission Church."

Under the Constitution of UBMC (Ex. A-1), Item 9 is the Dis-
trict Church Council. Paragraph I of Item 9 provides as follows:
F
1. The governance of the United Basel Mission Church in
India shall in each District be vested in a body called the
District Church Council which shall be the final authority
in all matters relating to the church except those of faith
and order and the disciplining of pastors, evangelist and
elders."

Thus, the District Church Council is the final authority in all ~
matters relating to the Church except those of faith and order and the
disciplining of Pastors, Evangelist and Elders. Rule 14 of the Constitu-
tion confers power on the District Church Council relating to the
Ii amendment of the Constitution. Rule 14 provides as follows:
DISTI. COUNCIL OF U.B.M.C. v. S.N. MATillAS [DU'IT, J.] 755

"R. 14. AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION
A
Whenever an amendment to the constitution is found
necessary any member of the Church Council may propose
the same in the meeting of the Council and if it is duly
seconded it shall be included in the minutes of the Council.
When the Council meets again the proposed amendment B
shall once more be moved and seconded and if three-fourth
of the members present vote in favour of the amendment, it
shall be passed and the fact be communicated immediately
to the Synod."

It is, however, submitted on behalf of the respondents that Rule
14 only relates to the amendment of the Constitution, but in case of C
merger there will be a total abrogation of the Constitution of UBMC.
The Constitution has not conferred any power on the District Church
Council to abrogate the Coll!ititution. It is contended that amendment
of the Constitution and abrogation of the same are completely diffe-
rent and, as no such power of abrogation of the Constitution has been D
conferred on the District Church Council, it had no authority what-
soever to pass the impugned resolution which would mean the comp-
lete abrogation of the Constitution of UBMC.

In support of their contention, the learned Counsel for the
respondents has pressed into service the decision of the Special Bench E
of the Allahabad High Court in N.F. Barwell v. John Jackson, AIR
1948 All. 146 SB. In that case, the members of unregistered Members'
Club owning certain properties passed a resolution by a majority vote
that the Club should be dis$olved. It was held by the Special Bench
'tlf/"'. that in the absence of any provision in the Rules of the Club laying
down the circumstances and the manner in which the dissolution of the F
.. Club could take place, th~ dissolution of the Club would not be
brought about by a majority vote. The Club could be dissolved only if
all the members unanimously agreed to such dissolution. We are
afraid, this decision has no manner of application to the facts of the
instant case. Here we are nqt concerned with the question of dissolu-
tion of UBMC of South Kanara and Coorg, but with the question of G
merger. Dissolution contem11lates liquidation of the Club and distribu-
tion of all assets among the members, but in the case of merger, there
is no question of liquidation or distribution of assets. Moreover, we
i.._ / have already discussed above that the properties held in trust for
"" UBMC will not be diverted to the use of the CSI, but will continue to
be held in trust by the UBMI: Trust Association for the benefit of the H
756 SUPREME COURT REPORTS I1988) 2 S.C.R.

A members of the UBMC vf South Kanara and Coorg, even if a merger
takes place.

It is the contention of the appellants that the District Church
Council had the authority to pass the impugned resolution. It is sub-
mitted that in any event the Synod of UBMC having permitted the.
B District Church Council of South Kanara and Coorg to join the CSI,
the validity of the resolution is beyond any challenge. Our attention
has been drawn on behalf of the appellants to Rule 13(2) of the Con-
1
stitution of UBMC (Ex. A-1) which deals with the functions of the
Synod. Rule 13(2) reads as follows:

"R. 13(2). Its functions shall be:
c
(a) to hear the reports of church and mission work of each
District;

(b) to suggest such measures of uniformity as may be
D necessary for the mission and church work in the three
districts;

(c) to give suggestions on problems pertaining to (1) the
spiritual life and work of the different churches (2) the
common evangelists activities of church and mission (3)
the church union and (4) the administration of Church

'
property; funds, etc;

(d) to decide finally all questions of faith and order in the
United Basel Mission Church of India, provided that
all that all such decisions are arrived at by a majority of ,,.._
F three fourths its total strength."

One of the functions of the Synod, as contained in clause (c)(3),
is to give suggestions on problems pertaining to the Church Union.
Another function is that contained in clause (d), upon which much
reliance has been placed on behalf of the appellants. Clause (c)(3) and
G clause (d) read together confer authority on the Synod to grant permis-
sion for union keeping in view the question of faith and order. It is the
case of the appellants that Synod has accorded its permission for the
merger of UBMC of South Kanara and Coorg in the CSL It is also their
case that the resolution has already been implemented. The learned ,~
Ju'dge of the High Court has taken much pains in coming to the conclu-
H sion that there has been no such implementation as alleged by the
DISIT. COUNCIL OF U.B.M.C. v. S.N. MATIIIAS IDUIT, J.J 757

appellants. The question before us is not whether there has been any
implementation of the resolution or not, but the question is whether A
the District Church Council had the authority to pass such a resolu-
tion. It is true that the District Church Council has only the power of
amendment of the Constitution. No power has been conferred on it to
pass a resolution relating to the union of UBMC of South Kanara and
Coorg with the CSL But the Synod is the highest authority and there B
can be no doubt that the SYI\od has the power to sanction merger of
any unit of UBMC in the CSL On 24-6-1968, the Synod of UBMC
passed the following resolution:

"Resolved unanimously that this Synod of the United Basel
Mission Church permit the District Church Council of
South Kanara and Coorg to join the Church of South India C
and that with effect from the date of affiliation this Synod
cease to exist."

The learned Judge of the High Court has also noticed in
paragraph 19 of his judgment that such a resolution of the Synod D
according permission for the union was passed on 24-6-1968. The
resolution was passed unanimously by all the members present on that
date. It is, however, faintly suggested by the learned Counsel for the
respondents that Synod was not in existence after the merger of
'-" Bombay, Karnataka and Malabar 1tnits of UBMC in the CSL The
f suggestion is not correct, for the Synod that existed after the merger of E
the said two units in the CSI unanimously passed the resolution. As the
Synod was a representative body of the units, it stood dissolved after
passing the resolution sanctioning the merger of the only remaining
_.. unit of South Kanara and Coorg in the CSL But, until such a resolu-
~on was pa. ssed, it did exist as the highest authoritative and adminis-
,-irative body of UBMC. F
) '
(
Another ground challenging the validity of the resolution that
has been urged on behalf qf the respondents is that it violates the
provision of section 6 of the Religious Societies Act, 1880. Section 6
provides as follows:
G
"S. 6. Provision for dissolution of societies and adjustment
of their affairs.-Any number not less than three-fifths of
the members of any such body as aforesaid may at a meet-
ing convened for the purpose determine that such body
shall be dissolved; and thereupon it shall be dissolved
forthwith, or at the time when agreed upon; and all neces- · H
758 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1988) 2 S.C.R.

. sary steps shall be taken for the disposal and settlement of
the property of such body, its claims and liabilities, accord-
ing to the rules of such body applicable there·•\ if any , and,
_· if not, then as such body at such meeting may' ~t·!nnine:
Provided that, . in the event of any dispute .arising
8 . among the members of such body, the adjustment of its
· affairs shall be referred to the principal Court of original
. • : f ..
civil jurisdiction of the district in which the chief building of
such body is situate; and the Court shall make such order in
.. the matter as it deems fit." · · · ·
. : ·:This challenge is misconceived. Section 6 deals with dissolution
C of .Societies _and adjustment of their affairs. It has been already
observed by us that there is no question of dissolution of UBMC of
South Kanara arid Coorg and the disposal and settlement of its prop-
erty and claims and liabilities etc., consequent upon such dissolution as
provide.d in section 6 and, as such, the provision of section 6 is not at
all applicable to the facts and circumstances of the instant case. The
·o contention made on behaJf of the respondents is without any sub-
stance: •

~ . We a~e ~nabJe to agree with the finding of the learned Judge of
the .High Court that the impugned resolution violates the provision of
section .6 of the Religious Societies Act and in view of the fact that the
E Synod had unanimously accorded permission for the merger, the High
Court was not justified in striking down the impugned resolution of the
ground that it was beyond the authority of the District Church Council
to pass such a resolution. In our opinion, the impugned resolution is
legal and valid.
' ··. F
·-., Iri the result, the appeal is allowed. The judgment and decree of
' the learned Judge of the High Court are set aside and the judgment
and decree of the first appellate court affirming those of the trial court
. _are restored. .

In the facts ~nd.circumstances c;f the case, we direct the parties to
G bear their own costs in this Court.
•'
S.L. Appeal allowed.

I