Kerala Nuns Granted Bail in Chhattisgarh 'Conversion and Trafficking' Case

Kerala Nuns Granted Bail in Chhattisgarh 'Conversion and Trafficking' Case
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

In a significant development, the two Kerala-based nuns, Sister Preeti Marry and Sister Vandana Francis, along with co-accused Sukhman Mandavi, who were arrested last week at Durg railway station, have been granted bail by the local court in Chhattisgarh.

The nuns were charged under the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, following a complaint filed by a local Bajrang Dal activist who accused them of forcibly converting three tribal women from Narayanpur and attempting to traffic them.

However, during the bail hearing, the court observed that continued custody was unnecessary and ordered their release on bail.
Their legal counsel, Advocate Amrito Das, stated:

“The judge granted bail observing there was no need to keep them in custody.”

This decision aligns with the earlier testimony of one of the alleged victims, who revealed to the media that she was threatened and coerced by individuals linked to a right-wing group to change her statement and implicate the nuns falsely.

AICHLS Welcomes the Court’s Decision

The All India Council of Human Rights, under the leadership of Dr. Anthony Raju, Advocate, Supreme Court, views the bail order as a positive step toward restoring faith in due process and judicial fairness, especially in cases where religious workers and minority community members face fabricated or ideologically motivated charges.

However, the Council remains deeply concerned about:

• The initial arrest without substantial evidence.

• The influence of political groups on local law enforcement.

• Threats and intimidation faced by key witnesses.

• The pattern of harassment against women and minority rights defenders in India.

Next Steps by AICHLS

• We continue to monitor the case closely and will provide legal support to the accused.

• A formal complaint will be submitted to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Women’s Commission regarding misuse of the law and custodial intimidation.

• AICHLS will release a fact-finding report soon, detailing the events, police conduct, and legal gaps in the matter.

Statement by Dr. Anthony Raju

“The bail order is not just a legal relief—it’s a reminder that truth and justice must prevail over bias and fabricated accusations. We stand in solidarity with all those who dedicate their lives to service, faith, and humanity.”

For Legal Assistance and Human Rights Support
Call or WhatsApp: +91 8588872001
Email: office@humanrightscouncil.in
Website: www.humanrightscouncil.in

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