Demand to relieve Jalandhar bishop of duties

Women activists representing various organisations have demanded relieving Bishop of the Jalandhar diocese Franco Mulakkal of his pastoral responsibilities till an enquiry and trial in a case of sexual assault against him is over.

The Bishop is facing an accusation of raping a nun.

In a complaint to the Kerala Police, the victim has charged the Bishop with rape and unnatural sex multiple times at a small town near Kottayam between 2014 and 2016.

"It is unfortunate that a situation is created in such a way that a lot of questions are raised on the character of the complainant Nun. We are of the opinion that this will create huge pressure and mental agony to the nun," the women activists said in a joint letter to Vatican ambassador to India Giambattista Diquattro.

Former members of the National Council for Women Syeda Hameed and Mohini Giri; Mariam Davle from the All India Democratic Women's Association AIDWA; Jyothsana Chatterjee from the Joint Women’s Programme, Kavitha Krishnan from All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA) are among those who have signed the letter.

"We are shocked to notice that the accused Bishop continues to remain in his position as Bishop of the Jalandhar diocese. This will not only hamper natural justice but also will hinder the enquiry and trial process," they underlined.

Using his power and position, the accused Bishop can pressurise the nun "in many ways", they said

"He can even influence the witness and will try to influence the enquiry agencies against the complainant. So we request you to advise Pope Francis to relieve the Bishop concerned of his pastoral responsibilities till the matter is over," the women activists added.