Raipur: Today marks a pivotal juncture in the legal battle surrounding the arrest of two Catholic nuns in Durg, Chhattisgarh, who were charged with human trafficking and religious conversion. With their fate hanging in the balance, the Church leadership is set to file a bail petition before the Chhattisgarh High Court in Bilaspur, raising hopes of a favorable ruling that could lead to their release.
The nuns Sr. Vandana Francis from Udayagiri parish under Thalassery Archdiocese and Sr. Preethi Mary from Elavoor parish under Angamaly Archdiocese have remained in judicial custody since their arrest on July 26, following allegations triggered by Bajrang Dal activists, who claimed the duo was transporting three girls for the purpose of conversion.
Despite the Sessions Court in Durg earlier directing that the matter be heard in the NIA Special Court due to the trafficking charge the Church has opted to approach the High Court directly, fearing procedural complications and extended delays. Former Additional Advocate General Amrito Das will represent the nuns, following strategic consultations with the Raipur Archdiocese.
What fuels cautious optimism in the Church camp is the assurance reportedly extended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a discussion with UDF MPs, stating that the Chhattisgarh government would not oppose the bail plea. Prominent UDF MPs including Kodikunnil Suresh, Anto Antony, Rajmohan Unnithan, Hibi Eden, and Dean Kuriakose are expected to reach Durg today to lend moral and political support.
Meanwhile, the political temperature in the state is rising. The Congress party, which has termed the arrest as a blatant violation of civil liberties and religious freedom, will spearhead state-wide protests today at 4 PM under the leadership of its Block Congress Committees. The KPCC has also mobilized its feeder organizations to amplify public outcry. Plans are afoot to hold demonstrations targeting Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurien, who are being accused of silence on the issue.
In a show of solidarity, CPI(M) stalwarts PK Srimathi and CS Sujatha will visit the jail today to meet the nuns. Congress MLAs Roji M. John, Sajeev Joseph, and youth leaders like Anoop Antony continue to coordinate protest activities on the ground in Durg. The nuns’ relatives have also arrived in Chhattisgarh to support them during this difficult phase.
The case has sent ripples across the country, with civil society, human rights organizations, and ecclesiastical authorities watching closely. For many, today's bail hearing is not just a legal proceeding it is a litmus test of justice, religious freedom, and the right to dissent in India’s evolving socio-political landscape.