Concerning Arrest of Nuns and Violation of Religious Freedom and Legal Due Process in Chhattisgarh

URGENT HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT
Issued by: All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice (AICHLS)
Chairman: Dr Anthony Raju, Advocate, Supreme Court of India
Date: 1 August 2025

Subject: Concerning Arrest of Nuns and Violation of Religious Freedom and Legal Due Process in Chhattisgarh

The All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice expresses deep concern over the recent arrest of Sisters Preeti Marry, Vandana Francis, and another individual, Sukhman Mandavi, at Durg railway station, Chhattisgarh. The arrest was made under provisions of the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act and the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, following a complaint made by a Bajrang Dal worker.

The allegations suggest that the accused were forcibly converting three women from Narayanpur and attempting to traffic them. However, a serious turn in the matter has come to light. One of the women from Narayanpur has publicly stated that she was threatened and physically assaulted by an individual associated with a right-wing group and forced to change her original statement. She further revealed that the police filed the First Information Report solely on the basis of the allegations made by the complainant from Bajrang Dal, without conducting an impartial investigation.

This case raises alarming questions on the misuse of law, communal targeting, and suppression of basic constitutional freedoms including the right to religion, right to dignity, and right to a fair legal process.

Key Issues Identified:

1. Violation of Religious Freedom
   The action taken without verifying the voluntary nature of the alleged conversions is a direct violation of Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.

2. Forced Testimony and Witness Threats
   Threatening a woman to provide a false statement not only violates her personal liberty but also compromises the integrity of the legal process.

3. Lack of Neutral Investigation
   Filing of the FIR on the basis of hearsay from members of a politically motivated group shows partiality and a lack of professional policing standards.

4. Misuse of Legal Provisions
   The Religious Freedom Act and Immoral Traffic Act must be applied cautiously and only with clear evidence. Misapplication of such laws for religious or ideological revenge is dangerous to the rule of law.

5. Gender and Minority Targeting
   This case also reflects an emerging pattern where women, especially from minority communities or charitable religious institutions, are being unfairly targeted under false charges.

AICHLS Demands the Following:

• Immediate and unconditional release of the arrested individuals pending fair and impartial investigation.

• Judicial inquiry into the threats and pressure on witnesses, particularly the Narayanpur woman who has spoken out.

• Accountability of law enforcement officials involved in registering the FIR without neutral verification.

• Protection of the rights of religious workers, missionaries, and social service groups operating legally and peacefully.

• Nationwide review of the misuse of anti-conversion laws to harass minority communities and restrict fundamental freedoms.

Statement from Dr Anthony Raju, Advocate, Supreme Court and Chairman AICHLS
"This case exposes how religious bias, political pressure, and legal misuse can violate the very foundation of our democracy. We urge the government to take immediate corrective steps. Justice cannot be selective. The dignity of religious workers, especially women, must be protected by law enforcement, not threatened by them."

For Legal Assistance and Human Rights Support
Call or WhatsApp: 8588872001
Email: office@humanrightscouncil.in
Website: www.humanrightscouncil.in

Suggested Hashtags for Online Awareness and Campaigns
ReligiousFreedomIndia
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AICHLS