Is Kerala above rule of law, asks SC while hearing matter related to Jacobite-Orthodox church feud

"Is Kerala above rule of law", an angry Supreme Court asked on Tuesday as it blasted the state government and threatened to put its chief secretary behind bars for not implementing its 2017 judgement on a dispute between two factions on right to conduct administration and prayers in churches.

A bench comprising justices Arun Mishra and M R Shah, which was hearing a matter related to implementation of its order on giving control of 1,100 parishes and their churches under the Malankara Church to the Orthodox faction, warned it would summon the Kerala chief secretary for "making a mockery of the justice delivery system".

"Tell your chief secretary that if he intends to go against the Supreme Court's order, we will call everyone here. Is Kerala above rule of law? You are making a mockery of the justice delivery system," an irked bench told the counsel appearing for the state.

The bench also warned that it may put the chief secretary of Kerala behind bars if the orders passed by the apex court are not implemented by the state, a lawyer appearing for the petitioner said.

Coming down heavily on the state government, the bench said, "You understand the seriousness of the matter. We have tolerated you people so much. The time has come to act against you."