The Supreme Court of India has directed the Jacobite faction of the Syrian Christian Church to comply with a 2017 verdict, which ordered the handing over of several churches to the Orthodox faction. This ongoing dispute, which has been the subject of several legal battles, centers around control of church properties in Kerala, with the Jacobite faction being directed to follow the court’s previous ruling and relinquish control of these properties.
Background:
The dispute between the Jacobite and Orthodox factions has been simmering for decades, primarily over the management and control of churches, properties, and other assets of the Syrian Christian Church. The 2017 verdict by the Supreme Court had already favored the Orthodox faction, and this recent ruling reaffirms that decision, instructing the Jacobite faction to hand over the properties as per the original judgment.
Court’s Rationale:
The Supreme Court emphasized the need for finality in judicial matters, stressing that the Jacobite faction must respect the earlier ruling. It pointed out that prolonged legal disputes and non-compliance with the verdict would only hinder peace and order in the community, further prolonging an already longstanding issue.
Existing Measures:
The 2017 verdict had already ordered the churches to be handed over, and the Jacobite faction had been given time to comply. However, the matter has remained unresolved due to the faction’s refusal to abide by the court’s directives, leading to this fresh order.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s decision serves as a clear reminder that legal verdicts must be respected and implemented in full. This ruling is expected to bring closure to the church dispute in Kerala, ensuring that the property dispute between the factions is resolved according to the court’s earlier directions.