The Madurai branch of the Madras High Court has issued an interim stay on the circular issued by the Vice-President of the Thoothukudi Nazareth diocese management saying that the members of the Diocese should not approach the court directly regarding the CSI administration.
Devasagayam, the founder of a Christian Reform Movement in Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar district, stated in his petition, “On September 16, the Vice President of the Thoothukudi Nazareth Diocese issued a circular. It stated that those seeking justice against the Diocese, its administration, administrators, or institutions should first seek justice through the administrative bodies of the South Indian Church Thoothukudi-Nazareth Diocese.”
“The circular also said those who go directly to court are ineligible to participate in the administrative bodies of the Diocese or any church association in the future,” the PIL added.
The petitioner added that the circular violated the constitutionally guaranteed right to worship, that it not only precludes legal action but also penalizes justice seekers, and that it is possible to expel justice seekers and questioners.
“This circular denies the council members’ rights and privileges. The justice seekers will be denied access to churches, weddings, engagements, funerals, and cemeteries. Many members will be expelled. The circular is illegal and issued with an ulterior motive. Therefore the circular has to be suspended,” the petition ended.
On hearing the petition, the bench headed by Justice D. Raja and R. Mahadevan stayed the circular for two weeks and sent a notice to the Vice-President of the Thoothukudi Nazareth Diocese.
(with inputs from Dinamalar)
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