CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Kerala Nuns Granted Bail in Forced Conversion & Trafficking Case | NIA Court Ruling Sparks Nationwide Debate
CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Kerala Nuns Granted Bail in Forced Conversion & Trafficking Case | NIA Court Ruling Sparks Nationwide Debate
Two Catholic nuns from Kerala, India, Sister Preethi Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, accused of forced conversion and trafficking have been granted bail by a Chhattisgarh NIA court. The nuns were accused of forcing religious conversion and trafficking tribal women in central India, sparking outrage, political debate, and religious tension.
Bail conditions include surrendering a passport, ban on overseas travel, and ongoing inquiry under NIA supervision.
Hi everyone,
Two Catholic nuns from Kerala, India, Sister Preethi Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, have been granted conditional bail by a Special NIA Court in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
They were arrested in a highly controversial case alleging forced religious conversion and human trafficking of tribal women.
The case has drawn national attention, with religious groups, political leaders, and human rights organizations questioning the legitimacy of the charges.
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On August 2, 2025, a Special NIA Court in Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) granted conditional bail to two Catholic nuns from Kerala, Sister Preethi Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, as well as a tribal man named Sukaman Mandavi. They were arrested on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion of tribal women.
Bail terms include surrendering their passports and restrictions on overseas travel.
A Sessions Court in Durg (Chhattisgarh) had previously denied bail, stating it lacked jurisdiction because the case fell under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act. The judge ordered that the matter be transferred to an NIA-designated court in Bilaspur within 15 days.
Similar denials had also come from the trial and magistrate courts, reinforcing that the Sessions Court could not hear the case owing to NIA jurisdictionality.
Opposition leaders and Church authorities condemned the arrests and bail denials, claiming that the allegations were politically motivated and targeted religious minorities. They demanded federal intervention, claiming that this incident was part of an ongoing persecution of Christians in India.
The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council expressed confidence that the judicial system would ultimately uphold justice, affirming the nuns’ innocence and emphasizing that the legal process is ongoing.
The Latin Catholic Council of Kerala described the conversion claims as fabricated and warned against the state’s misuse of anti-conversion laws to target minority communities.
Kerala’s political leaders vowed to continue legal support, denounced the arrest as harassment of Christian institutions, and promised relief efforts through High Court proceedings if necessary.
The case arises from anti-conversion legislation in Chhattisgarh, enacted under the Chhattisgarh Religion Freedom (Amendment) Act, 2006, which penalizes forced or induced conversions, especially involving tribal, minority, or marginalized groups.
Critics highlight potential misuse of the law, claiming that the absence of parental objection or coercion challenges the validity of the charges.
The widespread public, political, and Church support underscores the sensitive nature of religious freedom and minority rights in modern India.
The bail granted by the NIA court on August 2, 2025 marks a pivotal turn—but the legal proceedings are far from over, with significant political fallout and constitutional debate to come.
The case continues to raise serious concerns regarding state authority, anti-conversion legislation, human trafficking laws, and the treatment of religious minorities in the judicial system.
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QUESTION: Do you believe the charges are fair? Should the anti-conversion laws be reviewed? Let us know in the Comments section.
Legal Timeline
July 25, 2025
Sisters Preethi Mary & Vandana Francis arrested at Durg railway station on human trafficking/conversion complaints related to tribal women from Narayanpur district
July 30, 2025
Sessions Court in Durg denies bail, refers the case to NIA jurisdiction
August 1, 2025
NIA Court reserved judgment on bail pleas citing early stage investigations
August 2, 2025
Conditional bail granted by NIA Court, with travel and passport restrictions
Kerala Nuns Granted Bail in Forced Conversion & Trafficking Case| NIA Court Ruling Sparks Nationwide | Christian Breaking News!
Kerala Nuns Granted Bail in Forced Conversion & Trafficking Case| NIA Court Ruling Sparks Nationwide | Christian Breaking News!