Kerala High Court Appoints Former Judge as Mediator in Ernakulam Basilica Dispute
The Kerala High Court has taken a significant step to resolve the ongoing conflict at St Mary's Cathedral Basilica in Ernakulam by appointing a former judge as mediator. This development comes amid allegations of criminal trespass and restrictions on religious access at the historic church.
Court Appoints Justice T R Ramachandran Nair as Mediator
In a hearing before Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, the High Court appointed Justice T R Ramachandran Nair, a former judge of the Kerala High Court, as mediator in the dispute concerning the performance of Holy Mass at St Mary's Cathedral Basilica at Broadway in Ernakulam. The appointment follows a petition filed by Mar Joseph Pamplany, vicar of the major archbishop of the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church.
The petitioner alleged that a faction within the basilica had committed criminal trespass and was restricting the entry of other believers and priests into the church. During the hearing, both parties agreed to attempt settlement through mediation, leading to Justice Nair's appointment.
Temporary Halt to Holy Mass and Court Directives
To maintain peace and equanimity between the conflicting parties, the High Court issued several important directives:
- Holy Mass shall not be conducted at St Mary's Cathedral Basilica, including the adjacent chapel or any temporary structures within its premises, pending the mediation process.
- The petitioner and all priests under his authority may perform all other sacraments except Holy Mass during this period.
- The parties alleged to be occupying the church were directed to vacate the premises immediately.
- The petitioner must ensure the church remains open daily from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM to allow all persons to attend prayers.
The court has directed that a mediation report be filed without undue delay and has adjourned the petition to March 30 for further proceedings.
Background of the Basilica Dispute
St Mary's Cathedral Basilica in Ernakulam has been at the center of a contentious dispute involving allegations of unauthorized occupation and restrictions on religious practices. The petition filed by Mar Joseph Pamplany highlighted concerns about criminal trespass by a faction within the church that was allegedly preventing other believers and priests from accessing the sacred space.
The High Court's intervention through mediation represents a judicial effort to resolve the conflict amicably while ensuring religious rights are protected. The appointment of a former High Court judge as mediator adds significant legal weight to the resolution process.
The court's decision to temporarily suspend Holy Mass at the basilica while allowing other sacraments reflects a balanced approach to maintaining religious harmony during the mediation period. This measure aims to prevent further escalation of tensions while the parties work toward a settlement.
As the mediation process moves forward, all eyes will be on the March 30 hearing date when the court will review progress and determine next steps in this sensitive religious dispute.
