Chhattisgarh NIA Court Bail for Kerala Nuns – Conversion & Trafficking Case
Chhattisgarh Court Grants Bail to Nuns in Religious Conversion and Human Trafficking Case
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Bilaspur, chhattisgarh – August 2, 2025 – A significant legal advancement has occurred in Chhattisgarh, with a Special NIA Court in Bilaspur granting bail to two Kerala Christian Nuns, Preethy Mary and Vandana Francis. The nuns had been arrested by Chhattisgarh police on allegations of unlawful religious conversion and human trafficking involving three women from Narayanpur.
Background of the Arrests
The two nuns, along with Sukaman Mandavi, a resident of Narayanpur, were taken into custody by the Durg police on July 24, 2025, and had been held in judicial custody since then. Their arrests followed accusations made by members of the Bajrang Dal, who alleged that the nuns were involved in the forced conversion of three girls from Narayanpur and subsequent human trafficking.
The bail pleas were heard by Principal District and Sessions Judge (NIA Court) Sirajuddin Qureshi on Friday. Initially, the bail applications were presented before the Durg sessions court. However, the court declined jurisdiction, citing that human trafficking is an offense listed under the schedule of the National Inquiry Agency (NIA) Act. Consequently, the case was transferred to the NIA court in Bilaspur for further proceedings.
Legal Arguments and defense
During the bail hearing, the petitioners, represented by their legal counsel, submitted that the three women in question were voluntarily traveling with the nuns. The defense argued that the women were seeking employment opportunities at an institution run by the nuns.
further supporting their plea, the parents of the women provided statements to the court, affirming that their daughters had left with the nuns of their own volition, with the explicit purpose of securing employment. This assertion aimed to counter the allegations of coercion and trafficking.
Societal and Political Ramifications
The arrests of Nuns Preethy mary and Vandana Francis had sparked considerable public attention and led to widespread protests. Opposition political parties and various Christian organizations voiced their strong disapproval of the arrests, highlighting concerns about religious freedom and potential misuse of law enforcement.The case has underscored the ongoing societal discussions and tensions surrounding religious conversions and minority rights in the region.
Case Details
case Title: Preethy Mary and Ors v State of Chhattisgarh
Case Number: Bail Petition 1639/2025
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The granting of bail to Nuns Preethy Mary and Vandana Francis marks a crucial juncture in the ongoing legal proceedings. While the allegations of unlawful religious conversion and human trafficking remain to be definitively addressed by the court, this development provides a measure of relief to the accused. The case continues to be a focal point for discussions on religious freedom, minority rights, and the application of law in sensitive social contexts. As the legal process unfolds, it will undoubtedly contribute to the evolving understanding and application of relevant statutes in Chhattisgarh and beyond.The future of such cases will likely hinge on the careful examination of evidence, adherence to due process, and the ongoing dialog surrounding religious freedom and individual liberties in India.