In Brief
This case concerns a dispute over management and control of St. Mary's Church, Kattachira within the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The appellants (Metropolitan and appointed Vicar) claimed exclusive right to conduct religious services based on a 1972 gift deed. The parishioners asserted authority under their own constitution. The Supreme Court held that the 1934 Constitution of the Malankara Church is binding on all parish churches and cannot be repudiated. The Metropolitan has exclusive authority to appoint priests and manage church affairs. Parish assemblies cannot adopt parallel systems or usurp control. The Court allowed the appeal and restored the trial court's decree protecting the Metropolitan's rights."
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