REV DR GEORGE NJARAKUNNEL Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS litigation is an offshoot of Ext. P3 order, whereby the State declared two churches situate side by side and a two storied building as protected monuments under the Kerala ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act" for brevity ).

(2.) THE monuments are located in Ramapuram, a little known town in Kottayam district. There are three structures involved. They are (1) St. Mary's Church, (2) St. Augustine's Church and (3) a two storied building in which Thoma Kathanar was residing in Ramapuram in Meenachil Taluk of Kottayam District.

(3.) IT is believed that the first church was built in 1450 A. D. , which was dedicated to virgin Mary and the present small church was built in 1599 at the very same site where the old one was situated. The main altar of the old church constructed in 1450 A. D with mural paintings in Indian style having preserved in sanctum of the present church and the same has been dedicated to the memory of St. Augustine. The new church constructed in 1864 is larger in size than the first church, but is an exact replica of the smaller one. They are situated in the heart of Ramapuram town. These churches are the centre of attraction for a large number of pilgrims and visitors, both from inside and outside the state. We get a glimpse of the grandeur of the churches from the two reports available in the records. The structures appear to be very unique and exquisite. As further description of the churches may not be very relevant here, they are skipped. It admits of no doubt that the churches and the two storied building attract devotees, pilgrims and visitors. Considering the structure, the age and importance of the churches and the building, and the need for preservation and protection of the same, the State felt that these structures must be brought within the ambit of the Act.