The councils have to discuss the matter and the price of land. Currently all the Canon committees are not in existence. Hence, the decision to sell the land is against Canon laws (Representional Image)

Kochi: After the controversial land deal in Ernakulam - Angamaly archdiocese which shook the Syro Malabar Church in Kerala, a petition has been submitted in the Ernakulam Munsif Court against another land transaction in Church.

Polachan Puthuppara, president of Kerala Catholic Association for Justice, has filed a petition in the court questioning the archdiocese's decision to sell 12 acres of land at Thrikkakara for Rs.60 crore. The price fixed for a cent of land is Rs.5 lakhs, which, according to the petitioner, is much less than the market rate.

Based on the petition, the court has sent notice to Fr. Jacob Manathodath, apostolic administrator, and the prospective buyer entrepreneur Kochouseph Chittilappally. The court will hear the case on Monday.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, the petitioner said that the Church can garner more than Rs.180 crore if the land is sold as small plots.

"As per Canon law, consent of curia finance council and Presbyterian council is required for sale of Church assets. The councils have to discuss the matter and the price of land. Currently all the Canon committees are not in existence. Hence, the decision to sell the land is against Canon laws," he said.