Bishop John Perumattam was born on 13 November 1921 as the son of Mr. Augustine and Mrs. Anna belonging to Kakoor Parish of the eparchy of Palai. After his school education and seminary formation, he was ordained priest by Bishop Sebastian Vayalil on 11 March 1951. After working as an Assistant Parish Priest for a short time in 1951 at Vadakara and Koodalloor, he was appointed Vice Rector & Spiritual Director at the Minor Seminary, Palai in 1956.  Later he was appointed Rector, Minor Seminary, Palai.  While he was the Director General of the Society, MST, on 29 July 1968 he was nominated Apostolic Exarch of Ujjain and was installed on 14 January  1969. He was nominated first Bishop of the Eparchy of Ujjain on 26 February 1977.  His ordination as bishop took place on 15 May 1977.  He was installed in his office on 3 July 1977.  On 8 September 1998 he retired from office.