JOHN K A Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These appeals are filed by the petitioners in the writ petitions. The learned Single Dudge dismissed the writ petitions as the same are not maintainable. The challenge in the writ petitions relates to the consecration process of Catholics of the Syrian Orthodox churches without inviting the patriarch of Antioch. The writ petitions were essentially filed in the light of the declaration of law in regard to the affairs of the parish churches, which is a part of the Malankara Church, in view of the decision of the Apex Court in K.S Varghese v. St.Peter's and Paul's Syrian Orthodox Church [2017 (3) KLT 261 SC]. The writ petitioners approached this Court for implementation of one of the directions issued in the above case invoking the writ of mandamus. The said direction of the Apex Court is found in paragraph 157, which reads thus:

(2.) They also seek a declaration to the effect that the consecration process completed without inviting the patriarch for consecration is against the judgment of the Apex Court in K.S Varghese case (supra).

(3.) The learned Single Dudge held that civil disputes between the parties cannot be decided in writ jurisdiction.