The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Christ Church’s petition dismissed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Aug 26, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Christ Church’s petition dismissed

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Thiruvananthapuram Sub-Court has dismissed a petition filed by Mathew M. Philip, chief vicar, Christ Church, Palayam, claiming legal rights over 33 cents of land adjoining the church compound near University Stadium.

The court, after taking evidence in the case, observed that the church has no authority over the land. The court added that the land (2.75 acres) on which the church is situated, also belongs to the Government. The argument by the church authorities that the property was given to them by the head of the ruling family of erstwhile Travancore in 1858 through an order, was rejected by the court.

The petition filed by the chief vicar had urged the court to issue a decree prohibiting both the State Government and University from encroaching on the 33 cents of land and making the church sole custodian of the property.

However, public prosecutor A. Rajasenan who appeared on behalf of the Government told the court that the land is ‘purambokku’ and hence belongs to the Government.

It was also informed before the court that the land on which the church stands belonged to the Government and that it was not in the name of the church.

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