Kerala High Court Summons State Officials in Orthodox-Jacobite Church Dispute

The Kerala High Court has summoned state officials for contempt of court over noncompliance with an order to take control of six churches in a dispute between the Orthodox and Jacobite factions. The court has instructed officials to appear for charge framing on November 8, amid ongoing tensions.

The Kerala High Court on Monday demanded the presence of several top state officials, including the Chief Secretary and State Police Chief, due to noncompliance with a directive to assume control over six churches embroiled in a dispute between the Orthodox and Jacobite factions.

The court's latest move aims to address contempt of court charges, compelling officials to appear for formal charge framing. Justice V G Arun cited the need for personal appearances from 15 respondents in court on November 8.

The ongoing case focuses on the state government's failure to implement a directive following a 2017 Supreme Court verdict favoring the Orthodox faction in control over 1,100 parishes, attributed to resistance from Jacobite parishioners.

(With inputs from agencies.)