It upheld the 2017 judgment for handover of the Jacobite churches to the Orthodox faction.

It upheld the 2017 judgment for handover of the Jacobite churches to the Orthodox faction.

The Supreme Court of India has once more told the Jacobite faction that it needs to conform with the 2017 judgment that had granted ownership rights of a few churches to the Orthodox faction. In this regard, this order is an effort from the court to settle the age-long dispute between the two rival factions of the Malankara Church in Kerala over the past decades.The Malankara Church, which was established in 1665, split into the Jacobite as well as Orthodox factions in early 20th century to cause protracted legal warfare over ownership of church property. In 2017, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the constitutional control of 1,100 parishes and their properties to remain with the Orthodox faction issued in the constitution of the Malankara Church of 1934. But this was met with great resistance since the Jacobite party could not accept the loss of most churches. The last hearing of the Supreme Court saw the three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, express dissatisfaction over the Jacobite faction's refusal to abide by the verdict pronounced in 2017. The court pointed out that judicial decrees need to be honored and adhered to; otherwise, serious legal implications may ensue. The bench called for a peaceful settlement also told the Jacobite faction to let church properties be transferred as decided upon. The court also raised a concern as to the panic that might be brought about and also communal disorder. It, therefore ordered local law enforcing authorities to ensure that implementation of judgment does not turn violent and that no chaos is done. The Jacobite faction has been arguing for a long time that the verdict undermines the religious and administrative autonomy of their community, claiming that a majority of the parishioners align with their beliefs. They have sought government intervention to mediate a resolution. However, the Orthodox faction maintains that the ruling is legally binding and should be enforced without exceptions. This case raises the challenge of reconciling faith, governance, and judicial authority in religious disputes. The position taken by the Supreme Court reflects a commitment to uphold the rule of law, ensuring that the pronouncements of the courts are respected without regard to parties. The impact of this landmark dispute is going to last very long in the religious and administrative extent of the Malankara Church after it provides a precedent for similar conflicts in the country. Peaceful compliance with the directive of the court is crucial towards harmony and respect for authority of the judiciary in matters of faith.

Find Lawyers In Your City

Connect with Best Lawyers at your location