INDIA: "The Cause of Enmity, Conspiracy within the Church: Cardinal Mar Alencheri at Court

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New Delhi: Syro Malabar Church head Cardinal Mar George Alenchery told the Supreme Court that Joshi Varghese, the complainant in the case related to the land transaction of the Syro Malabar Church, tried to get a verdict by approaching a 'favorable court'. This allegation was made by senior advocate Siddharth Luthera, appearing for Mar Alencheri.

The first case filed by the complainant in Maradu First Class Judicial Magistrate Court regarding the land transaction was dismissed. But the complainant later filed six new cases in the Kakkanad First Class Judicial Magistrate's Court by hiding this matter, said Adv. Siddharth Luthra accused in the court.

There was a conspiracy against Mar Alencheri within the church. Mar Alencheri took a stand on sharing income and protecting assets. This led to the enmity of many. Advocate Luthera argued in the court that the objective of the complainant was to obtain a judgment by approaching a favorable court (forum shopping) and this is the reason for the complaint.

The court has before it a petition filed by Cardinal Mar George Alencheri seeking cancellation of the cases related to the land transactions of the Syro-Malabar Church. The arguments of the opposing parties and the state government will be held on Wednesday. Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Bela M. A bench consisting of Trivedi is hearing the petitions. The hearing will continue in court on Wednesday.

The affidavit of the state government is that nothing illegal has been done in connection with the land deal of the Syro Malabar Church. The government stated in the affidavit that the decision to buy and sell the land was made after consultations and in accordance with the canon law applicable to Roman Catholic Churches and the rules of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese.

Meanwhile, the Bateri Diocese of the Syro-Malankara Church and the Thamarasery Diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church argued in the Supreme Court that bishops have the authority under canon law to sell the land and property of churches.