Kolkata: Reverend Ashoke Biswas, the previous bishop of Church of North India’s Calcutta diocese, has moved court “seeking “justice” against the CNI synod’s decision to assign an episcopal commissary.

The New Delhi-based synod, the highest decision-making body of the CNI, on August 27 appointed Bishop Probal Kanto Dutta of Durgapur, as the CNI moderator’s episcopal commissary to the Calcutta diocese. He will hold additional charge of the Calcutta diocese until the election of a new bishop.

The tenure of Reverend Biswas, 67, as the head of the Calcutta diocese was not extended on the ground that he had not applied for an extension.

Reverend Biswas said he had not applied for an extension as the synod had in 2017 amended rules and extended the retirement age of the CNI bishops and presbyters from 65 to 68.

“I want justice…. I was told that the term of bishops would automatically extend till the age of 68 after the amendment…. I think I should have been informed that I would have to apply again in order to continue for a term of another year…. I don’t want to speak much about the way the commissary has been appointed as the matter is sub judice and I have nothing to say against the church,” Reverend Biswas added.

Reverend Biswas had applied for an extension in 2016 and 2017 but not this time.

A CNI official, who did not wish to be named, admitted that the synod had unanimously decided to extend the retirement age of CNI bishops from 65 to 68 in 2017. But the amended rule did not apply to Reverend Biswas as he had completed 65 years in 2016.

A Church source said Reverend Biswas had been verbally assured after the retirement age was extended that he would continue as bishop of Calcutta till the age of 68. Reverend Biswas, who had attended the meeting, was told that his extension would be automatic, implying he would not have to apply for it.

Bishop Dutta said: “There has to be a written assurance. No assurance had been given to him (Reverend Biswas) on paper…. We are ready to abide by the order of the honorable court.”

Source: telegraphindia.com