Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church Cardinal Mar George Alencherry has approached the Division Bench of the Kerala High Court challenging the single judge’s order to register an FIR against him and three others regarding the land deal of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese.
The Cardinal contended that the order of the single judge literally prejudiced the issue and substantially hamstrung the power of investigation conferred on the station house officer of the police.
According to the Cardinal, the property transactions of the archdiocese were not in conflict with the applicable laws of the land or the canon laws.
The Cardinal submitted that the single judge did not adhere to the rules framed by the High Court of Kerala regarding the writ petitions.
The writ petition was disposed of without issuing any notice to the respondents and serving a copy of the writ petition.
An opportunity to file a counter affidavit was also denied, which was tantamount to violation of the principles of natural justice as well as the rules applicable, he submitted.
