Ldf weighs law to mitigate orthodox jacobite conflict

Ldf weighs law to mitigate orthodox jacobite conflict

Law Minister P. Rajeeve told to finalise the contours of the proposed law that falls within the ambit of Supreme Court verdicts; front to strive for a consensus view in consultation with the UDF.

A leadership conclave of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) here on Thursday reportedly weighed a new law to help mitigate the protracted conflict between Jacobite and Orthodox factions of the Malankara Church over the right to worship and administer parish property. The meeting reportedly tasked Kerala Law Minister P. Rajeeve with finalising the contours of the proposed law.

It asked the government to weigh the suggestions of the K.T. Thomas Commission that probed the issue. The LDF stressed that the proposed law should fall within the ambit of the Supreme Court verdicts in the matter. It also resolved to strive for a consensus view in consultation with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).

Currently, the Orthodox faction controls a few parishes where the Jacobite faction was in the majority following various court orders.

The conflicts between the factions often disrupt prayers and precipitate passionate stand-offs, with one faction opposing the other’s burial and worship rights. The police have been deployed several times at the churches to prevent a law and order situation.

The LDF also reportedly proposed the creation of conflict resolution committees at the district level to resolve outstanding issues between the factions. District Collectors and District Police Chiefs would head such forums.

Land Reforms Act

The meeting also reportedly discussed suggested amendments to the Land Reforms Act to allow enterprises to hold more than 15 acres of land for industrial purposes. Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretary Kanam Rajendran reportedly sought clarity on the proposed amendment.

The CPI fears that the amendment would upend the landmark law that ended serfdom and feudalism in the State.