KOCHI: The Supreme Court's decision to hear detailed arguments and gather data on the number of believers in the Malankara Church dispute has brought relief to the Jacobite Church and concern to the Orthodox Church. The temporary suspension of the order to hand over six churches has given hope to the Jacobite Church.

On December 3, the Supreme Court had directed the Jacobite Church to hand over the administration of six churches in the Ernakulam and Palakkad districts by December 17. However, the Jacobite Church did not take any action to hand over the churches. The churches in question have a significant Jacobite population, with around 350 to 500 families, whereas the Orthodox faction has only 10 to 50 families in the area. The Jacobite Church is resolute in its decision to fight the order legally, determined to maintain control over the churches.

It was at this point that the Supreme Court issued a directive on Wednesday to maintain the status quo. The court will hear detailed arguments on January 29 and 30. The court has sought the gram panchayat-wise data of believers of both sects. A list of influential churches and disputed churches must also be prepared. The Jacobite Church is hopeful of a favourable outcome from the Supreme Court, citing that they hold the majority in six churches.

Govt awaits Supreme Court's decision
On December 3, the Supreme Court issued an order directing the Jacobite Church to hand over the churches. No instructions were given to the government, and hence, the government did not take any action. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court suggested that the government could attempt to create a consensus to facilitate the peaceful transfer of the churches.

No government-level actions have been initiated regarding the transfer of churches. The government has given instructions to the district administration to take a stand as per the directive of the Supreme Court. Revenue and police officials have stated that no urgent measures will be taken, as the petition is scheduled to be considered in January.