S T Kibson v. India Evangelical Lutheran Church (Ielc)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 27.02.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P.DHANABAL in C.S.DR.No.21367 of 2026 S T Kibson S/o.B.S.Thomas, B 48, Bhath Nagar, BEML Nagar, K G F Bangarpet, Beml Nagar, Kolar District, Karnataka 563 115.

Applicants/Plaintiff Vs 1.

India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC) Rep.by its President, 47, Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai -18.

K.Baulsundar General Treasurer Cum Secretary 47 Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai-18.

The Chief Election Commissioner P.Jesudas Prem Kumar, No.47, Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai-18.

Synod election Officer -Ambur J.Robert Asirvadam, No.47, Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai 600 018. Page No.1 of 4

Synod Election Officer - Nagercoil R.Bennett Stephenson, No.47, Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai - 18.

Synod election Officer- Trivandrum S.Sanoj Shalom, No.47, Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai - 18.

Respondents/Defendants For Applicant :

Mr. S. Patrick

ORDER

This application has been filed by the applicant/plaintiff seeking leave of this Court to institute the suit before this Court. According to the applicant/plaintiff, he has filed the main Suit for relief of declaration. It is stated that a substantial part of the cause of action has arisen within the Jurisdiction of this Court. However, some of the Synod Election Officers/Defendants are residing outside of the Jurisdiction of this Court. Hence, he has filed this application. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the applicant/plaintiff and perused the materials available on record. Page No.2 of 4

Considering the averments made in the affidavit filed in support of this application and on being satisfied that a substantial part of the cause of action has arisen within the Jurisdiction of this Court, this application deserves to be allowed.

Accordingly, this application is allowed and the leave is granted.

The Registry is directed to number the civil suit if it is otherwise in order.

27.02.2026 klt Page No.3 of 4

P.DHANABAL,J.

klt To 1.

The President, India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC) 47, Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai -18.

Mr. K.Baulsundar The General Treasurer Cum Secretary, 47 Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai-18.

P.Jesudas Prem Kumar, The Chief Election Commissioner, No.47, Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai-18.

J.Robert Asirvadam, Synod Election Officer -Ambur No.47, Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai 600 018. R.Bennett Stephenson, Synod Election Officer - Nagercoil, No.47, Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai 600 018. S.Sanoj Shalom, Synod Election Officer- Trivandrum, No.47, Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai 600 018. A.No.975 of 2026 in CS DR.No.21367 of 2026 27.02.2026 Page No.4 of 4