Kochi: A panel of priests has sought the abstinence of Syro Malabar Church head Cardinal Mar George Allencherry from executing his powers until the probe into the disputed land deal was over.

A resolution in this regard was passed by the committee of priests representing Catholics. It was handed over to auxiliary Bishop Sebastian Edayantharathu who has been asked to inform the matter officially to the Pope and Synod.

The land owned by the Church was sold violating canon laws to wipe out liabilities. The committee wondered how the church could land in a debt trap of Rs 86 crore even as it was comfortable a few years back.

The Synod giving clean chit to cardinal in this regard was unfortunate, it said.

The Synod is a permanent church body headed by the cardinal and includes major Archbishops Andrews Thazhath, Mathew Moolakkatt, Joseph Perumthottam and George Njarlakkatt and Bishop Jose Porunnedom.