The Orthodox-Jacobite church dispute in Kerala has lasted over a century, stemming from a division that originated in the early 20th century, with historical roots tracing back even earlier
Published Dec 03, 2024 | 5:50 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 03, 2024 | 5:50 PM
Supreme Court (iStock)
In a significant development in the long-standing dispute between the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, the Supreme Court has directed the Jacobite Church to hand over control of six churches in the Ernakulam and Palakkad districts to the Orthodox Church.
This ruling marks a major step in resolving the conflict, which has primarily centered around control over church properties and leadership authority.
The Court has given the Jacobite Church two weeks to submit an affidavit confirming the transfer of administration of the churches.
Justice Ravindra Bhat, in his remarks, emphasised that the objective was to resolve the dispute peacefully, urging both factions to engage in an amicable settlement.
The Court further criticised attempts to involve police forces in the church takeover, stating that religious institutions should remain free from such intervention.
The six churches involved in the order are:
The Court’s ruling follows earlier contempt proceedings initiated by the Kerala High Court against senior officials, including the former Chief Secretary, V Venu, and the Ernakulam Police Chief, for their involvement in an attempt to forcibly transfer control of the churches using police assistance.
These officials had approached the Supreme Court seeking a suspension of the contempt proceedings. The Supreme Court now mandates that the Jacobite Church comply with the directive, warning that if the Church fails to submit the necessary affidavits or transfer control, contempt action will be pursued.
The Court also highlighted the importance of avoiding police intervention in such matters, emphasising the need for peaceful resolution.
This decision follows a previous Supreme Court directive to the state government to take control of the disputed churches, a move the government failed to implement.
Earlier, the Kerala High Court had rejected appeals challenging a single bench order directing the Collectors of Ernakulam and Palakkad to assume charge of the six churches.
The Orthodox-Jacobite church dispute in Kerala has been ongoing for over a century, rooted in a division that dates back to the early 20th century and even earlier.
The conflict originally emerged after the Synod of Diamper in 1599, which led a faction of the Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala to reject papal authority and align with the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch.
The division eventually formalised into two separate factions in 1910, with the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church becoming autocephalous (independent) and the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church remaining autonomous under the Antioch Patriarchate.
This ongoing legal and religious battle has seen numerous court rulings, violent clashes, and political interference, and remains one of the most significant ecclesiastical disputes in India.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
