KOCHI: A petition has been filed before the Kerala high court seeking a directive to the state government to take an amicable decision between the two warring factions of Syrian Orthodox Church in the matter of control over Piravom Valiyapally.The petition was filed by 72-year-old Mathai Ulahannan and 76-year-old Mathai Thommen, both hailing from Piravom, through advocate KI Mayankutty Mather.It is claimed in the petition that a declaration was issued by the Supreme Court in its verdict last year (KS Varghese Vs. St. Peter’s & Paul’s Syrian Orthodox Church and Others) to the effect that all steps should be taken by all concerned to initiate steps to provide a common platform and if necessary by amending the 1934 Constitution in accordance with law.A minority faction is making all attempts to wrongly interpret the verdicts of the Supreme Court and somehow see that majority are denied the rights granted to them under the Constitution of India, it is alleged by the petitioners.Stating that the apex court’s judgment of July 3rd last year allowed an amicable settlement , the petitioners have claimed that the apex court had expressly declined permanent prohibitory injunction. All other reliefs except declaration were declined, according to the petitioners.In order to protect the peaceful atmosphere in the church premises and to facilitate peaceful religious rites and functions for all parishioners, it is necessary that the government may step in and take steps for the continuance of peaceful atmosphere, stated the petition. The high court will hear the case on Tuesday.

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