JUDGMENT

This writ petition is filed by the petitioner seeking to quash Ext.P17 order passed by the State Government dated 19.06.2014, whereby Ext.P13 order passed by the District Collector, Ernakulam i.e. the 2nd respondent, was affirmed, passed under the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Burial and Burning Grounds) Rules, 1998 [for short, 'the Rules, 1998']. Brief material facts for the disposal of the writ petition are as follows:

2. Petitioner is a believer of Pentecostal Sabha, a Christian denomination, and is a resident of Keezhillam in Mazhuvannoor Grama Panchayat, Ernakulam District. In the year 1998, petitioner along with one George Jacob purchased an extent of 3 Acres and 95 sq. mts. of land from one John by Registered Sale Deed No.3703/98 dated 08.09.1998 of Puthenkurishu Sub Registry. According to the petitioner, George Jacob is also a believer of the Sabha. The case of the petitioner is that, the said property was purchased for using it as a burial ground, and the property purchased by the petitioner is a portion of a larger extent of land owned by the Church of God (Full Gospel) in India, and in possession of Indian Poorna Suvishesha Divya Sabha (Pentecostal Church), Mannoor local