The Syro-Malabar Church and the Government of Kerala announced on Thursday that they have reached a landmark settlement in the long-running dispute over 240 acres of land in Thrissur district that had been the subject of litigation since 2014.

The agreement, brokered through the Kerala High Court, allows the Church to retain ownership of 180 acres while transferring 60 acres for use as a public hospital and educational complex, with the Church retaining management rights over both institutions.

Cardinal George Alencherry of the Syro-Malabar Church called the settlement "a victory for dialogue and the rule of law," while affirming the Church's commitment to serving the people of Kerala regardless of faith.

"This land has been used for over a century to educate children and heal the sick," he said. "We are grateful that this service will continue."

The Kerala government's Advocate General confirmed that the settlement is the result of months of confidential mediation and represents a model for resolving similar disputes across the state.