Raipur: In a significant development in the controversial arrest of two Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh, the Archdiocese of Raipur expressed cautious optimism over the ongoing legal proceedings. Issuing a formal statement, the archdiocese clarified that the prosecution's stance in court was not adversarial and indicated hope that the court would grant bail to the accused.
The case revolves around Sister Preeti Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, who have been in judicial custody at Durg Central Jail for the past eight days. The duo faces charges under sections related to alleged forced religious conversions and the wrongful detention of minor girls. Their arrest had triggered widespread protests from Christian communities and drew sharp criticism from civil society and political leaders alike.
During the bail hearing, the defense presented several strong points. Key among them were documentary proofs verifying the age of the girls allegedly taken from a hostel, sworn statements from their parents, and the absence of any concrete evidence pointing to forced religious conversion. According to court proceedings, the prosecution did not dispute any of these core arguments. When asked by the court whether custodial interrogation of the nuns was necessary, the prosecution reportedly answered in the negative.
The Raipur Archdiocese welcomed this position and interpreted it as a favorable sign for the upcoming verdict. “The prosecution’s non-opposition to crucial points raised by the defense reflects an objective approach. We believe this will weigh positively when the court pronounces its decision on the bail plea,” the archdiocese said in its statement.
The case diary was reviewed in court following the bail application, and all arguments were placed on record. Despite procedural opposition from the prosecution to the granting of bail a move the BJP’s state vice-president Shaun George described as a “routine legal step” the broader tone of the hearing indicated no personal hostility against the nuns, according to Church representatives.
Meanwhile, the situation has attracted attention from political quarters in Kerala. Leaders from both the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) visited the jailed nuns, expressing solidarity and demanding a fair trial devoid of religious prejudice.
The final verdict on the bail application is expected to be pronounced on Friday. Until then, the Catholic community across the country watches closely, hoping for justice to prevail in a case that has already sparked national discourse on religious freedom and legal fairness.