KOCHI: The Kerala High Court came down heavily on prosecution for causing delay in booking Syro-Malabar Church head Cardinal George Alencherry and three others in the case related to irregularities in land deal in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese.

“The prosecution’s argument that the court had a two-day holiday is not justifiable,” the court said.

“Is there any problem in registering FIRs on holidays,” the court asked.The Court said the matter was a fit case for initiating contempt proceedings.

The Cardinal and others have been charged under various sections of Indian Penal Code, including Sections 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 405 and 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating and dishonesty including delivery of property).

(Following the court order, police on Monday registered a case against the Cardinal and others).