On May 30, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a stay on the Bombay High Court's interim order dated May 5, 2025. The High Court had allowed Bishops N.L. Karkare and Subodh C. Mondal, aged 76 and 73 respectively, to continue as active bishops of the Methodist Church of India (MCI), despite the church's prescribed retirement age.
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The MCI contended that permitting these bishops to remain active contravened the church's constitution, which mandates retirement at 65. According to Article II of the MCI's Book of Discipline, "A Bishop shall retire on his 65th Birthday. In the event of his 65th birthday falling any time within the Quadrannium he shall be continued in the office till the end of Quadrannium as an active Bishop."
A bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma heard arguments from both sides. Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Mukul Rohatgi represented the MCI, emphasizing that the church's rules clearly stipulate a retirement age of 65. On the other hand, Senior Advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Ranjit Kumar represented the respondents, arguing that the delay in holding the Quadrannium—a conference held every four years to elect new bishops—necessitated the extension of the current bishops' tenure.
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Singhvi highlighted that the Quadrannium, originally scheduled for 2023, was postponed due to budgetary constraints. He assured the court that the respondents did not wish to continue beyond their retirement period and intended to step down by July 2 or 3, 2025, when the Quadrannium concludes.
The court, after considering the arguments, stated:
"We have heard learned senior counsels for the petitioners and learned senior counsel for the Respondent No. 1 and 2. Interim stay of the impugned order until further orders."
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This decision underscores the importance of adhering to institutional rules and the challenges that arise when procedural delays occur. The Supreme Court's intervention ensures that the church's governance aligns with its established constitution, pending further proceedings.
Case Details: THE METHODIST CHURCH IN INDIA Vs BISHOP N.L. KARKARE|SLP(C) No. 14696/2025
Appearances: Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, Mr. Joshua Samuel Adv. And Sahil Tagotra AoR[for petitioner]
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and Senior Advocate Ranjeet Kumar
