HC
Madras High Court Awards Religious Society ₹56 Lakh Deposits Left by Priest
Nyaya Prep • Published • Updated • 3 min read
The Madras High Court held that fixed deposits acquired by a Catholic priest after entering a religious order belonged to the religious society under his vows and the facts of acquisition, rather than automatically passing to relatives.
Key developmentThe Madras High Court held that fixed deposits acquired by a Catholic priest after entering a religious order belonged to the religious society under his vows and the facts of acquisition, rather than automatically passing to relatives.
Background and legal issue
The ABVM Society and family members contested approximately ₹56 lakh left by Father Devakumar Arulanantham. The relatives had obtained a succession certificate from the district court.
Court’s reasoning and procedural position
The Bench distinguished property acquired during religious service from independently inherited family property and examined the priest’s undertaking, society rules and applicable legal principles.
Legal consequence and next step
The succession certificate was set aside and relatives were directed to return amounts received within one month, failing which interest would apply.
Case / Bench: ABVM Society of Catholic Apostolate v A Deiva Nayagam; Justices N Anand Venkatesh and K K RamakrishnanLegal framework: Indian Succession Act, 1925
Relevant provisions: Section 384
Publication: 2026-10-14
Source: Bar & Bench original report
- Succession and Religious Institutions
- HC
- 2026-10-14