A New Era of Justice: The Diocese of Chikmagalur
Inaugurates Ecclesiastical Tribunal
The Diocese of Chikmagalur witnessed a momentous
occasion with the inauguration of its
Ecclesiastical Tribunal at Spoorthi Sadan, the
Diocesan Pastoral Centre. This significant
event, held on March 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM, was
presided over by Most Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Swamy,
Bishop of Chikmagalur. The ceremony was graced
by the presence of numerous clergy, religious
members, and the faithful, marking an important
milestone in the diocese's legal and pastoral
ministry.
The establishment of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal
follows the decree issued by the Bishop of
Chikmagalur on December 17, 2024, in adherence
to the norms of Canon Law (Can. 1419 and
subsequent canons) and the Apostolic Letter
Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus, promulgated by Pope
Francis on August 15, 2015. This initiative aims
to make the process of matrimonial nullity cases
more accessible, efficient, and just, while also
addressing other judicial matters that fall
under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal.
The inauguration ceremony commenced with a
solemn prayer led by the Bishop, invoking divine
blessings upon the newly established Tribunal
and its ministers. Following the prayer, the
Bishop officially decreed the establishment of
the Tribunal, citing the need for an independent
ecclesiastical judiciary to uphold justice and
pastoral care within the Diocese of Chikmagalur.
During this solemn occasion, four
priests-Judicial Vicar: V. Rev. Fr. David
Prakash M.F., Associate Judicial Vicar: Rev. Fr.
Melwin Tellis, Defender of the Bond & Promoter
of Justice: Rev. Fr. William Bernard, and
Ecclesiastical Notary: Rev. Fr. Rayappa-were
officially sworn in as Tribunal ministers,
taking their oath of office before the Bishop
while placing their hands on the Holy Scripture.
These priests, who hold the necessary academic
qualifications, including a licentiate in Canon
Law, have been entrusted with the responsibility
of adjudicating cases in accordance with
ecclesiastical legal frameworks. Their role is
to ensure that all cases presented to the
Tribunal are examined with fairness, compassion,
and in accordance with Church teachings.
The Tribunal will operate from the Diocesan
Chancery, handling cases in the first instance,
particularly matrimonial nullity cases
originating within the Diocese of Chikmagalur.
It will serve as the primary judicial body for
matters concerning marriage dispensations,
canonical trials, and related ecclesiastical
procedures.
As per Canon 1438, n.1, appeals against the
Tribunal's decisions will be directed to the
Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of
Bangalore, ensuring that due process is
maintained at all levels. Additionally, an
annual report detailing the Tribunal's
activities will be submitted to the Supreme
Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome,
ensuring transparency, accountability, and
adherence to the Church's universal legal
standards.
The establishment of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal
marks a historic milestone in the pastoral and
judicial mission of the Diocese, ensuring a just
and efficient legal process for the faithful.
The newly established Tribunal will play a
crucial role in upholding justice and guiding
the faithful in matters concerning Canon Law,
providing them with the necessary pastoral
assistance.
Fr. David Prakash, the Judicial Vicar of the
diocese, expressed his deep gratitude to the
Bishop, the clergy, and all those who
contributed to the successful establishment of
the Tribunal. He reiterated the Church's
commitment to justice, pastoral care, and the
protection of the sacramental integrity of
marriage, reinforcing the importance of this
initiative for the spiritual and moral welfare
of the faithful.
