Handing over of churches held by Jacobite faction to Orthodox sect; HC orders contempt of court proceedings against ones who obstructed

KOCHI: The High Court has ordered contempt of court proceedings against those who obstructed the implementation of the order to hand over seven churches held by the Jacobite faction to the Orthodox sect. Justice Devan Ramachandran directed the police to find those who obstructed the implementation of the order and file an affidavit within ten days. If there are Orthodox sectarians who have filed a petition for protection among those who have quarrelled after gathering, they will also face contempt of court proceedings.

The court criticized the government system for not taking over Pulinthanam, Mazhuvannoor, Odakkali, Poothrikka, Cherukunnam, Mangalam Dam and Erukkumchira churches. A constitutional crisis is being created by not following the orders of the Supreme Court and the High Court. The court asked who should implement the order other than the government.

Additional Advocate General Ashok Cherian explained that the police were withdrawn at a stage where the use of weapons was necessary in the event of protests from a crowd including women and children. Disagreeing with the use of weapons, the court said that the police have been trained to deal with such situations and the police force should be left free. The steps to take over the churches were abandoned due to the protests of the believers in the past few days. The contempt cases will be heard again on July 8.

Drama to gain media attention: Court

The court criticized that a drama is being played in front of the churches when it is about to be taken over to gain media attention. Anticipating the arrival of the police, one side camps inside the church and locks the gate from inside. They get out when the police retreat. The court suggested that this should not be allowed anymore and that the police should take full control of the church. Every effort should be made for this in the following days.