Diocese of Chikmagalur Inaugurates Ecclesiastical Tribunal

Chikmagalur, 23 March 2025 – The Diocese of Chikmagalur marked a historic milestone on 22 March, with the inauguration of its Ecclesiastical Tribunal at Spoorthi Sadan, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre. The ceremony, presided over by Dr. T. Anthony Swamy, Bishop of Chikmagalur, was attended by clergy, religious members, and the faithful.

Established through a decree issued on 17 December 2024, the Tribunal aligns with Canon Law and Pope Francis’s Apostolic Letter Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus. It aims to make matrimonial nullity cases more accessible, efficient, and just, while also handling other judicial matters within the diocese.

The ceremony began with a prayer led by the Bishop, invoking blessings on the Tribunal and its ministers. He then officially decreed its establishment, highlighting the need for an independent ecclesiastical judiciary.

Four priests were sworn in, taking their oath of office before the Bishop:

Judicial Vicar: Fr. David Prakash M.F.

Associate Judicial Vicar: Fr. Melwin Tellis

Defender of the Bond & Promoter of Justice: Fr. William Bernard

Ecclesiastical Notary: Fr. Rayappa

Operating from the Diocesan Chancery, the Tribunal will handle first-instance cases, particularly marriage nullity proceedings. Appeals will be directed to the Metropolitan Tribunal of Bangalore.

Fr. David Prakash, Judicial Vicar, expressed gratitude to the Bishop and clergy, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to justice and pastoral care. This Tribunal marks a new era for the Diocese, ensuring a fair and compassionate legal process for the faithful.

Fr. Anil Lobo