Kochi: The high court on Monday came down heavily on Cardinal Mar George Alencherry in connection with the land deal controversy of the Ernakulam Angamaly Archdiocese. The court criticised whether the laws existing in the country is not applicable to the Cardinal.

Earlier Mar George Alencherry’s lawyer had argued that the power to take action against Cardinal is vested only with the Pope.

“The matters related to the church are handled under the Canon laws. Hence action against any irregularity can be initiated only by the Pope. Many had contacted the Pope with complaints but no proceedings have been taken against me till now. It proves that I have committed no wrong,” Cardinal informed the court through lawyer.

He also said that all the issues of the land deal were caused due to demonetisation by which the proposed money was not obtained.

The court heavily censured this and said it will examine whether a case of betrayal under IPC 460 exists in the case.

The rules of the Pope don’t stand valid in cases of violation of criminal laws in India and the decisions of Vatican is only applicable in the administrative affairs, the court added.