Kerala High Court orders police protection for priest-OxBig News Network

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the police to provide adequate protection to Father Tharian Njaliath to enable him to function as the vicar and trustee of St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas passed the order on a petition moved by the priest in the context of the ongoing differences of opinion on the conduct of the holy Mass. He had sought a directive to the District Police Chief (Kochi City) to provide him adequate and effective protection.

According to the petitioner, protesters had prevented believers from attending prayers and conducting other rituals like baptism, holy communion, marriage, and even funeral ceremonies. A few miscreants had created all sorts of mischief in and around the church, creating fear among believers. They had even attempted to manhandle the petitioner late at night. The name boards of the trustees of the church were destroyed, and miscreants had indulged in illegal activities inside the church and its compound. The petitioner said that no action had been taken on his petition seeking police protection.