Kochi, October 28, 2019: The authorities on Monday failed to implement a court order directing to facilitate entry of Orthodox faction priests and followers into a church in Kothamangalam to offer prayers following strong resistance from Jacobite faction priests and faithful.
The Orthodox faction priests and followers withdrew from the scene after their hours-long stand-off with Jacobite faction in front of the church. They accused the police of failing to provide them security.
Gates of the church were closed from inside by the priests and followers of the Jacobite faction when the Orthodox faction priests reached the church, known as Kothamangalam Cheriyapalli, armed with a court order directing the police to provide protection to their priests to conduct religious services in the church.
Even though the Supreme Court had nearly two years ago allowed the Orthodox faction to offer prayers at the church, members belonging to the rival faction allegedly prevented them from entering it.
The Orthodox faction reached the church to take its possession after a court in Muvattupuzha directed the police to provide protection to their priests to conduct religious services in the church.
Amid high drama, the district administration declared the assembly of the Jacobite faction inside the church and the church premises as “illegal” and urged them to leave the place.
However, the Jacobite priests and followers continued to remain in the church and its premises, forcing the Orthodox faction priests to wait outside.
“We hope that the authorities will take steps to implement the apex court order granting ownership of the church to the Orthodox faction,” an Orthodox priest said,