Kochi: Cardinal Mar George Alencherry has faced a setback in the Syro Malabar Church land deal case. The High Court here on Thursday has stated that Alencherry must face trial in the case. The court issued the order by upholding the verdict of the district sessions court. The court also dismissed the six petitions submitted by Alencherry.

Earlier, Thrikkakara magistrate court registered a case against Alencherry and others and summoned them to appear for the trial. Alencherry moved an appeal in Ernakulam Sessions court against this order. But the court dismissed the appeal.

Both courts observed that there is prima facie evidence that Alencherry is involved in the illegal land deal. Though 8 cases were registered against him, Thrikkakara court served summons in only six cases.

Following this, the Cardinal approached the High Court seeking immediate intervention to nullify the summons and avoid the trial. Earlier, the Income Tax department also released a report observing irregularities in the church land deal.