Church dispute: HC initiates contempt of court proceedings against government, directs Chief Secretary and others to appear in court

KOCHI The Kerala High Court has initiated contempt of court proceedings against the government and other opposing parties for not implementing the court order to take over six churches in Ernakulam and Palakkad districts that are currently embroiled in an Orthodox-Jacobite Church dispute. Justice VG Arun has directed the Chief Secretary, Police Chief, District Collectors of both districts and members of the Jacobite faction to appear in court in person on November 8 at 10:15 AM for framing charges.

The directive was issued in contempt of court petitions filed by members of the Orthodox faction, alleging that the court order to provide protection for entering into the churches and conducting religious services had not been implemented. The churches involved in the case are:

1. St. Mary's Church, Odakkali, Ernakulam
2. St. John's Church, Pulinthanam, Ernakulam
3. St. Thomas Church, Mazhuvannur, Ernakulam
4. St. Mary's Church, Erikkencheri, Palakkad
5. St. Thomas Church, Cherukunnam, Palakkad
6. St. Mary's Church, Mangalam Dam, Palakkad

The government had earlier informed the court that although genuine attempts were made to enforce the court order, the police were forced to retreat due to massive protests by protesters, including elderly individuals, women, and children. Had the police used force, innocent lives would have been lost. The government assured that the police will continue their efforts to successfully implement the court order.