In connection with the controversial land deal involving the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese, in which the Church allegedly suffered a huge financial loss, a group of hostile priests accused the Syro-Malabar Church head Cardinal George Alencherry, who is also the Archbishop of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, for selling the prime land of the archdiocese for below the standard market price. A handful of priests were trying to defame the Syro-Malabar Church which has over 55 lakhs followers and 35 dioceses.