The elected Laity of a parish have the right to represent the parish and claim over rights of property of church- No sanction from the Bishop is mandatory.

The Kerala High Court in RSA 662/2003 held that, the committee of administrators of church elected by the parish community have the right to represent the church.
The question regarding the competence of laity to represent a case for church property is discussed in detail.
Full text of the Judgment-

Laity elected by the Parish have the right to file cases in connection with Church Property - No sanction from the Bishop is needed - The Canon Law would not override Civil Law