In Brief
This case involves a dispute between the Metropolitan of Quilon Diocese and parishioners of St. Mary's Church, Kattachira over church management and property ownership. The appellants (Metropolitan and his Vicar) sought to establish exclusive authority to conduct religious services and manage church properties, relying on a 1972 gift deed. The parishioners disputed this, claiming independent management rights under their local 1959 constitution. The Supreme Court held that the 1934 Malankara Church Constitution is binding on all parish churches and parishioners, granting the Metropolitan exclusive authority to appoint clergy and manage properties. The Court rejected parishioner claims to independent management and found no violation of constitutional rights to religious freedom under Articles 25 and 26. The appeal was allowed, and the original trial court judgment was restored.
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