To address the ongoing disciplinary issues within the Archeparchy of ErnakulamAngamaly, particularly concerning the Syro-Malabar Church's liturgical practices, a special tribunal has been established at the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Curia, Mount St. Thomas. This tribunal, instituted on December 18, 2024, was established by A Decree from the Major Archbishop, Mar Raphael Thattil. Under Canon 89 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, the Major Archbishop has the right and duty to oversee the discipline of priests. The tribunal will handle disciplinary cases, including the refusal to comply with lawful orders and warnings, through appropriate canonical procedures.

The uniform mode of celebration of the Holy Qurbana, introduced on November 28, 2021, has faced resistance despite consistent efforts by the Holy Father, the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church, the Major Archbishop, the Apostolic Administrator, and the Pontifical Delegate. The ongoing indiscipline has caused discord among the faithful and unrest in the community, prompting the need for this special tribunal.

While such tribunals are typically established at the eparchial level, the Apostolic Administrator informed higher ecclesiastical authorities that it was not feasible to operate a tribunal locally in the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly under the current circumstances. Consequently, at the request of Mar Bosco Puthur and with the approval of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches in Rome, the Major Archbishop established this special tribunal. This tribunal is given the authority, in the Decree of establishment, to take canonical action against priests, religious, and laity within the Archeparchy who are found to be engaging in acts of indiscipline. It will operate according to the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches and other applicable Church laws.

As outlined in the Code of Canons, tribunal proceedings and penalties aim to act as both a remedy for ecclesiastical disorders and a corrective measure. The Church resorts to judicial procedures only after exhausting avenues of mercy, love, and advice. The tribunal is empowered to impose penalties proportional to the severity of the offences, following due canonical process.

The tribunal will be presided over by Canon Law scholar Fr. James Mathew Pampara CMI, with Fr. Jose Marattil and Fr. Joy Paliyekara serving as judges. Fr. Gervasis Anithottathil will act as the Promoter of Justice, while Fr. Joseph Kamichery will serve as the Notary. Advocates appointed to assist in tribunal proceedings include Fr. Joseph Paruvummel, Fr. Francis Aloor, and Fr. Mathew Kallarackal.