Two Nuns Acquitted in Thrissur Human Trafficking Case Filed in 2021

Thrissur, July 31, 2025: The Additional Sessions Court in Thrissur, presided over by Judge K. Kamanees, acquitted two Catholic nuns accused in a human trafficking case, delivering the judgment on 26 July 2025, and citing insufficient evidence to support the charges.

The case dates back to September 2021, when a complaint was filed after a petitioner claimed to have seen three young girls alighting from the Dhanbad–Alleppey Express at the Thrissur railway station. The petitioner alleged that nuns from local convents were accompanying the girls, who had allegedly been brought under the pretext of employment as domestic workers.

Based on this complaint, the nuns were booked under Sections 370(1), 370(2), and 370(5) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), all related to trafficking of persons, and Section 34, which pertains to acts committed by several persons with a common intention. The prosecution also invoked Section 26 of the Juvenile Justice Act.

However, the court concluded that the case did not stand legal scrutiny due to lack of evidence. Judge Kamanees noted that the girls had been brought from their villages with the full consent of their parents, and in line with the girls’ own wishes.

“There is absolutely no indication that the girls were kept in bondage, subjected to hazardous work, or misled in any manner,” the court observed. It further pointed out that no evidence had been presented indicating coercion, exploitation — sexual or otherwise — or forced labour. None of the witnesses testified to any abuse, abduction, or deception, and the judge highlighted that there were no signs of conditions resembling slavery or servitude.

Citing the absence of a prima facie case, the court ruled that the prosecution had failed to substantiate the charges under any of the alleged provisions. The accused were formally discharged and their bail bonds were cancelled, granting them liberty.

Courtesy: The Hindu

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