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Fr. George Pulikulhiyil is a well known human rights activist in Kerala and a close associate of the Asian Human Rights Commission. He, a professional lawyer founded the Jananeethi ( Peoples law), to assist people to settle disputes by mutual understanding and getting involved in courts procedures which takes a long time to end and are expensive. What is worse, it leaves bitter memories among neighbours, often giving rise to violent episodes. His concept of litigation free village was realized through the work of Jananeethi. This organizations work for HIV/Aides issues is also well known and the work is solidly rooted in the community.

There had been some misunderstanding about this work with the CMI religious order of which he is a long time member. The superiors had suddenly decided to deprive him of his right to vote and be voted in the congregation's elections. There had been no open allegation made against him, no charges made and no inquiry. No reasons have been given for the action. He has sought an amicable settlement. This has been without any success. He feels that his rights guaranteed under the constitution are violated. Following is a brief summary of the letter written to the Superiors of his congregation.


TO MY ELDERS AND FRIENDS IN THE CMI CONGREGATION

Today I am filing a suit in a civil court at Thrissur against the impugned decision of the Prior General and his council on the 13th of December 2001 depriving me of my active and passive voice in the CMI Congregation till 31st March 2005.

This action of the General Council, to the best of my knowledge, was at the instance of the Provincial and his council of Devamatha Province, Thrissur. Till date I do not know the reasons for declaring me a defunct in the Congregation. I asked Fr. General the reasons in a letter. In his absence in the office, Fr.Chalil replied me that the full details of the said decision of the Council would be intimated to me through the Provincial of the Devamatha Province. But no body has intimated me till this moment the reasons for the penal action on me.

True, I had differences with erring superiors, had dissented from majority decisions when the majority had preferred the interests of the rich, depriving the rights of the poor. I believe, Jesus himself had done the same. I dedicated my life for the defence of the defenceless. I have not spared anyone who was wrong only on the reason that he/she was a cleric/religious.

All international covenants, all constitutions of the world nations, the canon law and every sensible human being of all faiths approve and accept NATURAL JUSTICE and HUMAN RIGHTS. Unfortunately it doesn't happen in the Catholic Church and CMI congregation is not an exception.

Hence I am constrained to approach the civil court to help the church and the CMI community to accept and honour natural justice, democratic values and human rights in their personnel management and judicial deliberations / actions. When the CMI Society is not prepared to listen to reason, then let the civil law decide the destiny of the Congregation.

Email: geopuli@lawyer.com