DMK MP Seeks Centre’s Intervention for Kerala Nuns Arrested in Chhattisgarh

In a strong move defending religious freedom and minority rights, DMK Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on August 1, 2025, seeking immediate intervention in the matter concerning the arrest of two nuns from Kerala in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district.

The two nuns were reportedly arrested by local authorities under unclear or allegedly fabricated charges, sparking a wave of concern among rights groups and political leaders from southern India.

Details of the Arrest

The two arrested individuals, identified as nuns belonging to a Kerala-based Christian order, were taken into custody by the police in Bastar, a region already sensitive to tribal and religious dynamics. According to preliminary information, the arrest may have stemmed from allegations of religious conversion or violations of local laws, though no official charge sheet has yet been made public.

No prior FIR or warrant has been detailed in the public domain, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest remain opaque, said Wilson in his appeal to the central ministers.

DMK MP Wilson’s Written Appeal

In his letters to Amit Shah and Kiren Rijiju, P. Wilson expressed serious concerns over the deteriorating state of religious freedom and the safety of minorities in certain states. He stated that the unjustified detention of the nuns not only violates constitutional rights but also raises questions about the misuse of power by local authorities.

He wrote:

“This kind of targeted action against women belonging to a religious minority is deeply concerning. Immediate steps must be taken to release them and investigate the actions of the police personnel involved.”

Wilson demanded that:

• The Home Ministry intervene to secure the speedy and unconditional release of the two nuns.

• The Law Ministry examine the legality of the arrest and take steps to protect constitutional safeguards under Articles 14, 19, and 25.

• An independent inquiry be launched to assess misuse of law enforcement in communally sensitive areas.

Broader Concerns About Minority Safety

The DMK MP also flagged a rising trend of harassment against Christian missionaries and minority religious groups, especially in tribal-dominated areas like Bastar, where anti-conversion laws are often cited as a tool of intimidation.

He reiterated that India’s pluralistic ethos must be preserved and warned that allowing such incidents to continue undermines global faith in Indian democracy and human rights practices.

Political and Legal Implications

This appeal by a sitting Member of Parliament not only adds political pressure on the ruling BJP-led Central government but also brings into focus the increasingly contentious role of anti-conversion laws, which are currently enacted in states like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Legal experts have often warned that such laws are prone to misuse and target religious minorities, especially Christians and Muslims, under false or unproven allegations.

The Supreme Court has also on multiple occasions emphasised the right to profess and propagate religion, provided it does not involve coercion or unlawful inducement.

Previous Incidents and Pattern of Arrests

This incident is not isolated. There have been multiple reports in recent years of pastors, missionaries, and nuns being detained or assaulted, especially in tribal areas where religious tensions are often exacerbated by local politics and cultural conservatism.

Just last year, three missionaries from Tamil Nadu were detained in Madhya Pradesh under similar circumstances, only to be released after no conclusive evidence was found.

Appeal for Public Awareness and Media Scrutiny

Wilson concluded his appeal by calling upon the national media, civil society organisations, and human rights activists to shed light on this incident and ensure that rule of law prevails over majoritarian sentiment or administrative overreach.

What Next?

While the Home Ministry has not yet responded publicly to the letter, sources indicate that the matter may be taken up for review, especially given the intervention by a senior Parliamentarian.

The case is also expected to gain visibility in both Houses of Parliament when the Monsoon Session resumes later this month, with the DMK and other opposition parties likely to raise questions on religious freedom and selective targeting of minorities.

Final Word

The arrest of the two Kerala nuns has once again put the spotlight on India’s religious rights framework and the need for judicial oversight in regions prone to communal and tribal sensitivities.

As the Centre weighs its options, the outcome will send a clear message about the state’s commitment to constitutional freedoms and minority protection in the world’s largest democracy.

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