Justice Ramachandran Nair to be mediator in Holy Mass dispute at St Mary’s Basilica in Kochi

Kochi: High court has appointed Justice T R Ramachandran Nair, a former judge of Kerala high court, as a mediator in the dispute over the performance of Holy Mass at St Mary's Cathedral Basilica at Broadway in Ernakulam.A bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas was considering a petition filed by Mar Joseph Pamplany, vicar of the major archbishop of the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church, alleging criminal trespass by a faction within the basilica. He further alleged that the trespassers were restricting the entry of other believers and priests into the church.During hearing, the parties agreed to attempt to settle the dispute through mediation. Accordingly, HC appointed Justice Nair as mediator. HC also directed that a mediation report be filed without undue delay and adjourned the petition to March 30.Additionally, to maintain equanimity between the parties, HC directed that Holy Mass shall not be conducted at the basilica, including the adjacent chapel or in any temporary building or structure within its premises, pending mediation. However, the petitioner and all priests under him may perform all other sacraments, except Holy Mass.Further, the parties alleged to be occupying the church were directed to move out immediately. Meanwhile, the petitioner shall ensure that the church remains open daily from 5.30am to 8.00pm to allow all persons to attend prayers.