In June 2016, a nun from the Missionaries of Jesus was forced to file police complaint against Bishop Franco Mullakkal for raping her. The complainant reported that the accused had carried out the crime multiple times within a span of 2 years from 2014-2016. Despite repeated complaints to superiors within the Church, her calls for justice fell on deaf ears.
After the issue came to light once again in June this year, the police finally interrogated the Bishop on 19th of September, meanwhile the Kerala High Court allowed him to apply for anticipatory bail. Further, the Church has kept itself at a safe distance, it has maligned the nun, revealed her identity (going against Sec 228-A of the IPC), reprimanded the nuns who are sitting in protest and has very obviously shown its support for the accused.
What is important is to question why the State delayed the investigation and legal procedures for this case. By doing so, the State has jeopardised the complainant’s right to justice and safety and allowed the accused to protect himself by the help of his powerful political and religious allies. This delayed action on its part does not fall in line with the country’s Constitutional values and principles.
Delhi Solidarity Group calls all the committed citizens for ensuring social justice, to be part of this protest at Kerala House at 3:00 PM on 21st September (Friday), 2018.
We condemn the State’s delayed action to ensure justice and for not protecting the woman’s identity!