Kochi: The Catholic Congress has strongly denounced the case filed against Mar George Punnakottil, calling it a grave misuse of authority under the pretense of his involvement in the public movement advocating for the reopening of the centuries-old Aluva-Munnar highway. The organization criticized the Forest Department’s actions as an outright abuse of power, stating that suppressing a citizen’s fundamental right to protest in the name of the Forest Act is tantamount to imposing an undeclared emergency in the state.

The Catholic Congress argued that by labeling a historic roadway as forest land, the department is violating basic human rights and infringing upon the fundamental right to life. They firmly asserted that Kerala will not tolerate the rise of an authoritarian "Forest Raj" and called upon the government to rein in the Forest Department. Urging immediate action from the Chief Minister, the organization demanded the withdrawal of the case and an end to what they described as anti-people measures.

Expressing strong dissent, the Catholic Congress warned of large-scale protests if the Forest Department continues to unjustly target individuals involved in the movement. The group further accused the department of negligence in protecting citizens from escalating wildlife intrusions while simultaneously persecuting innocent people with false cases. They called for the disbanding of the department and strict action against officials responsible for wrongful legal actions. Additionally, the Catholic Congress reiterated its demand for the Munnar Rajapath to be reopened to the public.