Raipur: In a case that has sparked national outrage and widespread protests, Advocate Amrita Das, representing the two arrested Kerala nuns, expressed optimism that the court will grant them bail on Friday. Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of arguments in the NIA court, Das emphasized that the nuns are innocent and have no criminal background.
“All arguments in the bail application have been completed. We are hopeful that the court will deliver justice tomorrow,” said Das. She further noted that the prosecution, while opposing the bail, cited entries from the case diary and asserted that the investigation is still in its early stages.
“The prosecution’s opposition is a routine procedural stance they cannot immediately support the bail plea. They claim the case requires further investigation. But we reminded the court that the nuns are not criminals. They have no history of unlawful activity. Their detention violates the principles enshrined in the Constitution,” she added.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution argued that releasing the nuns could hinder the ongoing investigation. They claimed that the accused may potentially influence witnesses or tamper with evidence. This was the principal argument used by the Chhattisgarh government to justify opposing the bail.
The prosecution stressed that since the case is under the jurisdiction of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), caution must be exercised, especially when human trafficking and forced conversion allegations are involved.
The two nuns, Sister Vandana Francis from Udayagiri Parish in Thalassery and Sister Preethi Mary from Elavoor Parish in Angamaly, were arrested in Durg, Chhattisgarh, last Saturday. They were travelling with three young girls when activists from the Bajrang Dal intervened and alleged that the girls were being trafficked for forced religious conversion.
Despite repeated clarifications and documentation provided by the nuns, local police detained them following the activists’ pressure. Later, formal charges including human trafficking and forced conversion were slapped against the two.
The arrests have triggered condemnation from church leaders, human rights activists, and opposition politicians. Critics allege that the charges are fabricated and driven by communal motives, targeting Christian missionaries under the guise of anti-conversion laws.
As the legal arguments conclude and the spotlight shifts to the court’s decision tomorrow, many across the country await justice for the detained nuns. The case has become emblematic of the growing tension between religious freedom and rising vigilantism in parts of India.
“The case is being closely watched by not just the Christian community, but all those who believe in constitutional values and justice,” said Advocate Amrita Das, voicing a sentiment that echoes well beyond the courtroom walls.