HC upholds Mar Thoma Bishops election

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Thursday upheld the election of Rev K V Varkey as Ramban (bishop) of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. With this, the Church authorities can proceed with the preparations for the consecration ceremony, on Saturday.The election was held according to the constitution of the Mar Thoma Church, the court said, upholding the order of Tiruvalla Sub-court. The order was passed by Justice Thomas P Joseph.The court dismissed the petition filed by John Samuel challenging the order of Tiruvalla Sub-court which quashed the order of the Munsiff Court nullifying the election of Rev K V Varkey.According to the constitution of the Church, those who have secured 75 per cent of votes can be elected as an Episcopa. The voting to elect Episcopas was held on March 8, 2011. There were three candidates. Of these Rev Varghese Mathai, Rev Oommen George were elected after securing 75 per cent of votes, which was a pre-requisite. However, voting to elect the third Episcopa was extended to next day and Rev Varkey secured the required percentage of votes. The petitioners approached the court alleging that  second round of voting was illegal and sought nullification of the election.Those who were elected Episcopas had been installed Rambans at a function held in Kochi.