Raipur: After spending seven days in custody at the Durg Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, two Kerala-based Catholic nuns are now awaiting a crucial verdict on their bail plea submitted before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court. Their continued detention has sparked legal and political ripples across the nation, prompting intervention from both religious leaders and senior political figures.
The nuns were arrested last week at the Durg Railway Station, along with another woman, while traveling with three adult tribal girls from Narayanpur. Accusations were levelled against them under anti-human trafficking and forced religious conversion laws. Despite presenting parental consent and valid documentation, the authorities proceeded with the arrest reportedly after members of right-wing groups raised objections and created public disturbance. The case has been widely criticized as an instance of religious profiling and misuse of legal provisions.
Following the rejection of their bail by the sessions court in Durg on grounds of lack of jurisdiction under the NIA Act, the nuns’ legal team swiftly moved the NIA Special Court in Bilaspur. Legal advice suggested that waiting for High Court intervention could take considerable time, further prolonging their incarceration. With no official charges framed under terrorism or national security laws, the applicability of the NIA Act itself has drawn scrutiny.
The bail application is expected to be taken up by the NIA court today, with observers noting that the central government’s response will be key. The court is currently awaiting input from the Centre regarding its stance on the case, which may heavily influence the direction of the proceedings.
In the meantime, political pressure has intensified in New Delhi and Kerala. In a high-level meeting held yesterday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with a delegation of Kerala MPs and church representatives. In the meeting, Shah reportedly assured that the Centre would ensure “all necessary support” for the release of the nuns. According to sources close to the discussion, Shah acknowledged procedural lapses in the initial handling of the case and promised to expedite intervention through proper legal channels.
This assurance comes in the wake of widespread public outcry in Kerala and nationwide solidarity movements by various Christian groups. Multiple rallies have been held, particularly in Kochi, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram, condemning what they describe as “fabricated charges” and harassment of religious minorities. Church leaders have called for the immediate release of the nuns and urged the government to ensure that faith-based social service is not criminalized without evidence.
With the NIA court expected to rule on the bail plea shortly, all eyes are now on the judiciary and the Centre’s next steps. The outcome of this case will not only affect the fate of the two imprisoned nuns but could also set a significant precedent for how India handles religious freedom, missionary activity, and minority rights in the context of increasing communal tensions.