In the year 1880, the Maha Raja of Travancore had described the “Syrian Christians” as “the very embodiment of antiquity and historical association, and the vary model of contentment, peacefulness and loyalty.” Today, as even on earlier occasion, they are in court. The petitioners have filed this petition with the prayer that the State and its authorities be directed to give effective and adequate police protection so as to enable the first petitioner “to exercise his rights, duties and privileges as the Catholicos” – cum- Malankara Metropolitan of Malankara Church with respect to the parishes mentioned in Ext. P4 and institutions of the Malankara Church without any threat or obstruction from respondents.. or their agents or servants in any manner.” The suggestion of the Bench for an amicable settlement having not been found to be feasible, we have heard the cases. Learned Counsel for the parties has broadly referred to the pleadings in O. P. No. 22946 of 2002. These may be briefly noticed.

2. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is the second largest Christian community in Kerala. There were disputes amongst the members of the community. There were several rounds of li