Nun rape case appeal; government to appoint special public prosecutor

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has decided to appoint a special public prosecutor in the nun rape case involving former Jalandhar bishop Franco Mulakkal, with the formal order expected to be issued soon, according to official sources.

What is the latest update?

The Kerala government has accepted the survivor’s request for a special public prosecutor to represent the state in the appeal proceedings before the Kerala High Court. Government sources said the decision has been taken and the official order appointing the prosecutor will be released shortly. The move follows repeated representations by the survivor, including a personal meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in November 2025.

Background of the case

Franco Mulakkal, the former Bishop of Jalandhar, was accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a nun at a convent in Kuravilangad, Kottayam district, between 2014 and 2016. The survivor alleged that the assaults occurred during Mulakkal’s visits to the convent while he held a position of authority within the Roman Catholic Church.

In January 2022, the Additional District and Sessions Court in Kottayam acquitted Mulakkal, citing the prosecution’s failure to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The verdict was challenged, and the appeal is currently pending before the Kerala High Court.

Impact of the verdict on the survivor

Following the acquittal, the survivor and the nuns who stood with her faced social, financial, and institutional isolation. Allowances from their congregation, the Missionaries of Jesus, were stopped, and they continue to live with police protection at the Kuravilangad convent due to security concerns. The survivor has largely stayed away from the media since the verdict, choosing to focus on the legal battle.

Demand for a special public prosecutor

The survivor has consistently argued that the complexity and sensitivity of the case require a special public prosecutor with experience in handling serious sexual assault cases. She proposed senior advocate B. G. Harindranath for the role and has been awaiting the government’s response for months. The state’s decision to move forward with the appointment is seen as a significant step in strengthening the prosecution during the appeal stage.

Why the appointment matters

A special public prosecutor can focus exclusively on the case, reassess evidence, and present arguments more effectively during the High Court proceedings. Legal experts note that such appointments are often made in high-profile or sensitive cases to ensure a robust and independent prosecution.

What happens next

Once the appointment order is issued, the special public prosecutor will represent the state in the High Court appeal against Mulakkal’s acquittal. The outcome of the appeal will determine whether the case proceeds further or the acquittal is upheld. The survivor has stated that she intends to continue pursuing justice through legal means, regardless of the challenges involved.