Manis Alias Manisa v. Marthelis Appuhamy – sllr 1981 volume 2 page 429

The case between Manis alias Manisa (plaintiff) and Marthelis Appuhamy (defendant) addressed the issue of succession to the office of Kapurala in the Paththini Devale, specifically whether such succession is hereditary or can be filled by appointment through a congregation of lay devotees. It was held that the office is strictly hereditary, reserved for members of established Kapurala families, and that an outsider has no legitimate claim to this position. The principle affirmed is that religious and customary offices governed by established hereditary custom cannot be filled by external appointment or election. The decision relied on historical custom, relevant precedents, and legal authorities, highlighting the importance of adhering to traditional succession where such practice is concl