Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Kerala appoints special prosecutor in nun's rape case appeal
A nun in Kerala, India, who accused a former bishop of rape, asked the state government for help.
The government agreed and appointed a special lawyer to help her with her case.
The bishop was found not guilty in a lower court, but the nun is appealing this decision.
The special lawyer will now help her in the higher court.
The bishop has since resigned from his position.
The nun is determined to continue her fight for justice, with or without the special lawyer.
The victim expressed gratitude to the government, chief minister, media, and supporters for their assistance and solidarity.
Kerala government appointed advocate B G Harindranath as special prosecutor in the nun's appeal against Franco Mulakkal's acquittal.
The nun had requested the state government for a special public prosecutor to continue her legal battle.
Franco Mulakkal, accused of rape, was acquitted by a local court in 2022 and later resigned as Jalandhar Bishop.
The victim has challenged the trial court’s verdict in the Kerala High Court.
The nun expressed determination to continue her fight for justice regardless of the government's decision and thanked the government, media, and supporters.
- Who
- A nun who accused former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal of rape
- What
- Kerala government appointed a special prosecutor for the nun's appeal
- When
- January 16, 2024 (announcement), January 17, 2024 (victim's statement)
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- To assist the nun in her legal battle against the acquittal of Franco Mulakkal
Victim's Supporters
Defense/Accused
Appointment of Special Prosecutor
Victim's Supporters
The victim and her supporters welcome the appointment of a special prosecutor as it strengthens their legal battle and shows government support.
Defense/Accused
The defense may argue that the appointment of a special prosecutor could indicate bias and undermine the fairness of the legal process.
- Victim
- A nun
- Accused
- Former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal
- Special Prosecutor
- Advocate B G Harindranath
- Case Status
- Appeal filed in Kerala High Court
- Original Verdict
- Acquittal by local court in 2022
- Government Action
- Appointment of special prosecutor
- Location
- Kerala, India
- Additional Support
- Ration cards issued to the victim and supporting nuns