Raipur: After nearly a week of intense legal battle, nationwide protests, and mounting outrage from civil society, the two Catholic nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion have been released from judicial custody. The judgment was delivered by Sirajuddin Qureshi, Principal Sessions Judge of Bilaspur District.

Bail was granted on the condition of furnishing two sureties of ₹50,000 each, along with the submission of passports to the court. The release of the nuns is expected to take place today itself. Responding to the verdict, Cherian, the brother of Sister Vandana, expressed his relief and gratitude, stating he was deeply thankful to everyone who supported them and acknowledged the role of numerous political leaders who stood by the family. He also admitted that the family was anxious until the very last moment.

During the hearing, the court posed a critical question—whether the prosecution had intentionally avoided seeking custody to delay proceedings. However, the prosecution failed to offer a response. In addition to the Chhattisgarh government, lawyers representing Bajrang Dal vehemently contested the bail request in the NIA court.

The sisters Sr. Preethi Mary of Elavur parish, Angamaly, and Sr. Vandana Francis of Udayagiri parish, Thalassery were arrested from Durg on July 25 while accompanying three young women, setting off a national storm of protest and solidarity.

They were arrested by the Railway Police in Durg, Chhattisgarh, under allegations of human trafficking. Both nuns are members of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Assisi, a congregation involved in education and pastoral ministry in rural areas. Despite their clean record and the voluntary testimony of the girls accompanying them, the nuns were booked and sent to judicial custody, leading to heavy criticism and protests.

The nuns were in jail for nine days, amid growing calls for their release. The prosecution argued in court that the investigation was in its preliminary stage, claiming that granting bail would allow the sisters to “continue forced conversions.” The court, however, questioned whether denying custody was being used as a means to prolong the case without merit. The prosecution had no convincing reply.

In addition to the Chhattisgarh government, lawyers representing the Bajrang Dal also opposed the bail plea in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, repeating old allegations without new evidence.

The families of the sisters filed a bail application at the Bilaspur NIA Court at 11:00 am on August 1. The court heard the matter by 3:30 pm the same day. The prosecution reiterated the same accusations brought up earlier in the sessions court, claiming that the case was related to "continuous religious conversions" by the nuns. They argued again that granting bail would lead to further forced conversions.

However, the defense counsel appearing for the nuns forcefully argued that the sisters had no criminal background, and their arrest violated the values of India’s secular Constitution. The defense emphasized that the case was built on presumption and prejudice, not fact.

The arrest followed an incident where a group of right-wing activists intercepted the nuns and the girls, alleging that the sisters were attempting to convert them under the guise of social service. The group physically restrained the nuns and handed them over to the authorities, who swiftly filed charges.

But the official statements recorded from the three young women and their families made it clear that they were travelling voluntarily for educational support. No coercion, allurement, or religious activity had occurred, contrary to the claims made by vigilante groups.

This contradiction between facts and allegations inflamed national outrage.

The arrest triggered widespread protests across India, especially in Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and the Northeast. Christian organisations, women’s groups, youth wings, tribal rights networks, and secular collectives rallied in solidarity, terming the arrest a blatant misuse of law and an attempt to intimidate missionary work.

In Kerala, prayer marches and human chains were organized by multiple dioceses. Candlelight vigils took place in Kochi, Kottayam, and Kozhikode. In Delhi, a demonstration at Jantar Mantar drew support from Christian parliamentarians and human rights advocates.

Similar demonstrations occurred in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bhopal, and Chennai, turning this case into a symbolic protest against rising intolerance and misuse of conversion laws.

Finally, on Saturday, the special NIA court ordered the release of the nuns, stating that there was insufficient evidence to hold them in custody. The judge also noted that there were no grounds to assume ongoing criminal activity, and stressed that continued detention would be a violation of justice.

Representing the sisters in court were seasoned lawyers Rakesh Dubey and Meenakshi Lalit, who pointed out that the case lacked legal merit and was based on fear-mongering, not law. They also noted that no formal complaint of conversion was filed by any of the girls or their families.

Several politicians were also present in court and voiced support for the nuns. CPI MP P. Santosh Kumar, former Chhattisgarh minister Kawasi Lakhma, and Congress leader Shobha Oza stood by the families. Arun Pannalal, president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum, called it a victory of constitutional rights.

“These sisters were dragged into fabricated charges. Today is a victory for every Indian who believes in justice and human dignity,” said Pannalal.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) welcomed the court decision, stating: “We thank the judiciary for upholding truth. These sisters were innocent and targeted only for their service among the poor.”

Church leaders from different denominations stressed the need for stronger legal safeguards for religious workers and action against vigilante groups.

Meanwhile, the families of the girls involved announced that they would file a police complaint against those who physically harassed and intimidated them. CPI MP Santosh Kumar assured full legal support for them and called for an end to "vigilante impunity."