KOCHI: In a fresh development in the Ramapuram twin churches controversy, the Supreme Court has asked the State Government to file a reply to an application seeking repair of the roof of the twin churches.
The order, which could accelerate the attempts to protect the ancient twin churches at Ramapuram in Pala, was issued last Thursday. Express had been campaigning against the demolition of the ancient structures.The application before the Supreme Court, filed by Joseph Zachariah through advocate Santosh Paul, sought the existing stay order to be modified so as to repair the roof of the ancient churches.
Previously, Vicar of St Augustine's Forane Church George Njarakkunnel had moved the Supreme Court against the Kerala High Court's order that upheld the decision to preserve the churches as protected monuments, following which it had ordered maintaining status quo until further notice. Moreover, the church authorities have begun the preliminary work for the construction of a new church on the premises of the twin churches and this had invited severe criticism from various corners. The criticism was that the construction of a new building would weaken the centuryold structures.
Meanwhile, the application further pointed out that the repair should be carried out under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India.
It was while considering this application that the Supreme Court asked the State Government to file its opinion in writing.
Sources said the State Government has orally agreed with the suggestion.
The State Archaeological Department had taken steps to protect the ancient churches as protected monuments. State Department of Cultural Affairs secretary had issued a notification with an intent to declare the 16th century St Augustine's Church, the 19th century St Mary's Church and a two-storey building in which the legendary Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar is said to have lived, as protected monuments under the provisions of the Kerala Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1969.
Meanwhile, the local residents and the faithful crowded near the church buildings on Sunday after it was found that the steeple topped with the crucifix was found cleaned and painted.