The Court emphasizes maintaining order in church administration through appropriate legal measures while allowing for flexibility in organizational arrangements.

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing respondents 1 and 2 to provide adequate police protection and to take necessary action against the interference of the 5th respondent and his men in the day-to-day administration and conduct of services at St. Peter’s Church, Thiruppalai, Madurai District, by the duly elected Committee represented by its Secretary.

2. According to the petitioner, there is an MOU dated 04.03.2017, wherein, under Clause 7, the Bishop may appoint a Priest from the list of three persons circulated by the Thiruppalai Church. As on date, the existing Priest resigned on 13.02.2026. The Bishop has appointed one George Blazey as the Priest of the petitioner Church. Since it is only an ad hoc arrangement, and in order to enable the Church to function properly without any law and order issues, this Court directs the members of the Church, namely:

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to circulate a list of three persons to the Bishop, then the Bishop in turn shall select one person from the list and appoint a priest.

3. To make it clear at the cost of repetition, except Mathivanan Inbaraj, the others shall circulate a list of three names for appointment as Priest. Upon receipt of the list, the Bishop may select any one of the three and appoint him as Priest.

4. This adhoc arrangement is made only to ensure that the Church functions smoothly without any law and order issues or clashes between the groups.

5. Insofar as the rights of all parties are concerned, they are at liberty to approach the appropriate forum and seek their remedies.

6. With these directions, this writ petition is disposed of. No Costs.