SC asks Parsis to settle dispute

The Supreme Court, on Monday, advised the Parsi Punchayet, which has banned two priests and petitioners supporting the priests, to settle their dispute amicably.

The Supreme Court, on Monday, advised the Parsi Punchayet, which has banned two priests and petitioners supporting the priests, to settle their dispute amicably. The two sides have now agreed to settle their dispute through mediation, instead of fighting a protracted legal battle.

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The Punchayet claimed that the priests — Framroze Mirza and Khushroo Madon — were performing irreligious rituals such as conducting interfaith marriages and cremation ceremonies. They were banned from performing ceremonies in Parsi properties in the state, which include the Towers of Silence and two agyaris.

A division bench of Justice Markandeya Katju and Justice Gyan Sudha Misra observed: "The Parsis are a tiny community that has made outstanding contribution to the country in various walks of life and the whole nation is proud of them. We are, therefore, sad to notice some dispute between them."

The bench has appointed senior advocate from Chennai, Shriram Panchoo, as the mediator.