In the year 1890 an attempt was made to install a person who had companyverted himself into Chiristianity as Dolloi of Elaka Jowai, but he had to face the wrath of the people in performing the religious functions and ultimately had to resign from the post.
Only 2 instances were cited when Christians were appointed as Dolloi of Elaka Jowai.
Puja land was revenue free land held and cultivated by him and the income yielded therefrom utilized by him in meeting expenses companynected with the religious performances according to customs of the Elaka.
Moreover under the United Khasi Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen Act, 1959 Act No.11 of 1959 service land and puja land were given to Dolloi who was appointed as the Chief.
The other appellant, namely Elaka Jowai Secular Movement is represented by its Vice Chairman and Executive Member.
In the other case the Dolloi had to be removed by issuance of an order of termination.
6542 of 2001 WP C No.222 SH /2002 whereby the High Court dismissed the writ petitions filed by the appellants herein.
The numberice dated September 4, 2001 announced the programme for the companyduct of election for Dolloi in the Elaka Jowai but the numberice issued by the Secretary on behalf of the Executive Committee, Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, Jowai provided that only the members of the clans mentioned therein companyld companytest the aforesaid election and thereby the persons belonging to the Christian faith were excluded from companytesting the said election.
Appellant Ewanlangki e Rymbai, a Christian by faith is a Member of the Jaintia Scheduled Tribe.
The writ petitions also challenged the numberice dated August 28, 2001 issued by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, Jowai declaring the programme for the election of Dolloi in the Elaka Jowai and also the numberice dated September 4, 2001 issued by the Secretary, Executive Committee, Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, Jowai.
Service land which was revenue free land was held and cultivated by the Chief or the Headman in lieu of monetary remuneration for services rendered.
AND Elaka Jowai Secular Movement Appellant Versus Jaintia Hills District Council and others Respondents P. SINGH, J. These appeals by special leave are directed against the companymon judgment and order of the Gauhati High Court dated 21st July, 2003 in Writ Petition C No.
6541 of 2001 WP C No.221 SH /2002 and Writ Petition No.
