Kochi: The state government on Tuesday told the High Court that the Supreme Court verdict on the Piravom Church case linked to the dispute between the Orthodox and Jacobite factions of the Malankara Church can be implemented only in a phased manner. In an affidavit submitted before the court, the counsel for the state government also pleaded for implementing a system of identity cards for the believers to enter the church.
The Orthodox faction has approached the High Court seeking permission to worship in the Piravom church stating that as per the Supreme Court verdict it has the responsibility for the administration of the church and that the verdict should be implemented. The Orthodox faction has also alleged that the state government was conspiring with the Jacobite faction not to implement the verdict.
The 15-page affidavit submitted by the state government stated that the Supreme Court verdict cannot be implemented in one stroke. It can be done only in a phased manner, it said and placed 18 conditions for the implementation of the SC verdict before the believers and the Church.
As per the conditions, those wishing to enter the Piravom church should submit an affidavit in the Piravom police station along with the voter's ID or Aadhar card. A written statement stating that they follow the 1934-constitution of the Church should also be submitted. The police then will issue a pass.
Those without a pass cannot enter the church. A priest entering the church for Mass and other rituals is entitled to reach there one hour before the function while the ordinary believers will be allowed to enter the church 30 minutes before the Mass. Only 250 believers are allowed inside the church at a time and they should disperse 15 minutes after the Mass. In case of any problem, the police have the right to close the church without allowing the entry of the believers.
