Mr.Rajkumar Rajendran v. Chruch Of South India And 11 Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 20-05-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE V. LAKSHMINARAYANAN in CS NO. 232 OF 2023

1. Mr.Rajkumar Rajendran, S/o. Rajendran, No.14/226, NONSUCH, Hulical, The Nilgiris, Nonsuch, Tamil Nadu- 643 238.

Currently residing at 33/2, Ganesh Nagar, Teachers Colony, Karamadai - 641 104.

2. John K. R, S/o. Rajamanickam, No.335, Gandhipuram, Kavinthapadi Bhavani, Erode, Tamil Nadu -638 455.

..Applicant(s) Vs

1. Church Of South India, Rep by its Moderator, Synod Secretariat, CSI Centre, No.5, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014.

2. M/s. Church of South India Trust Association, Rep. by its Director, No.5, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014.

3. Mr. A Dharmaraj Rasalam, Ex-Moderator, Church of South India, Bishop's House, LMS Compound, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - 695 033.

4. Dr. K. Reuben Mark, Deputy Moderator, Church of South India, Synod Secretariat, CSI Centre, No.5, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014.

5. C. Fernandes Rathina Raja, General Secretary, Church of South India, Synod Secretariat, CSI Centre, No.5, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014.

6. Dr. B. Vimal Sukumar, Treasurer, Church of South India, Synod Secretariat, CSI Centre, No.5, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014.

7. The CSI Coimbatore Diocese, Rep. by its Bishop, No.256, Race Course, Coimbatore - 641 018.

8. The CSI Erode - Salem Diocese, Rep. by the Moderators Commissary, CSI Compound, Brough Road, Erode- 638 001.

9. Mr. L. David Barnabas, Vice President, CSI Coimbatore Diocese, No.256, Race Course, Coimbatore 641 018.

10.Mr. S.Prince Calvin, Hon.Secretary, CSI Coimbatore Diocese, No.256, Race Course, Coimbatore 641 018.

11.D.S.Amirtham, Hon.Treasurer, CSI Coimbatore Diocese, No.256, Race Course, Coimbatore -641 018.

12.Committee Of Administrators, Church of South India CSI Centre, No.5, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai -600 014.

(12th Defendant Impleaded as per order dated 07-01-2025 in A.No.94/2025 and time extended as per order dated 04.02.2025 in C.S No.232 Of 2023) ....Respondents PRAYER: This application has been filed seeking to pass an order of ad interim injunction restraining the respondents 1, 2, 8 and 12 and its men, agents, servants, representatives or any person acting on its behalf, from in any manner conducting or proceeding with the Bishopric election of the CSI Erode-Salem Diocese scheduled to be held on 25.05.2026, pending disposal of the present suit.

For Applicant(s):

Mr. Richardson Wilson For Respondent(s):

Mr.Adrian D. Rozario for R1, 2, 4 to 6 Respondent No.3 - set ex parte Mr.Suryanarayanan for M/s.Bala & Daisy for R7, 9, 10 & 11 Mr.Elayaraja, for R8

ORDER

Heard Mr.Richardson Wilson, learned counsel for the applicants; Mr.Adrian D. Rozario for respondents No.1, 2 and 4 to 6; Mr.Suryanarayanan for M/s.Bala & Daisy for respondents No.7, 9, 10 and 11; and Mr.Elayaraja for respondent No.8.

2. This application has been filed in a pending suit.

3. It is not in dispute that the suit is at the stage of framing of issues.

4. Mr.Richardson Wilson states that the applicant is not pressing the relief of injunction with respect to the Bishopric election but he only seeks a direction that any election so held shall be subject to the result of the suit.

5. A perusal of the papers shows that the suit challenges the bifurcation of the Diocese of Coimbatore into Coimbatore Diocese and Erode-Salem Diocese.

6. The suit has been presented in the year 2023. Both the Dioceses have enjoyed the episcopal authority of Bishops, subsequent to their formation. The necessity for election has arisen on account of the fact that the erstwhile Bishop has gone to meet his maker. The post cannot be kept vacant. Hence, the respondents/defendants have initiated the process of filling up the vacancy. In the event of the suit being decreed, whatever actions that have taken place pending the suit would stand nullified. No party can claim equity or present a fiat accompli to Court. Hence, even if election were to be held and a Bishop appointed and consecrated; if the suit is decreed, such appointment would not

enure in favour of the respondents/defendants. All actions shall be subject to the result of the suit.

7. With the above observations, Application stands dismissed. 20-05-2026 DN/DIXIT

V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN J.

DN/DIXIT in CS NO. 232 OF 2023 20-05-2026