Coming closely on the heels of the Kerala verdict in Abaya nun murder case was the Tamil Nadu Women’s Commission ( TNWC) verdict damning the Lloyola behemoth. The CBI court, after 28 long years of legal struggle found guilty and sentenced to life Fr. Thomas Kotoor and accomplice Sister Sephy. They were also sentenced to seven years imprisonment for tampering with evidence; a fine of and Rs 5 Lakhs each too was imposed. It took so long, in the face of the money, muscle and political power of the Church. It is alleged that a retired SC Judge also tried to dilute Abaya case).
Now on to Chennai. In a suo motu case involving the Director of Layola Collage Alumni Association, Fr. Xavier Alphones in a sexual abuse meted out to a women employee of the Association, the TN Women’s Commission ordered to pay the victim Rs. 64.30 lakhs towards back wages and compensation for mental agony caused. This case is also dragging on for over a decade; the has , in 2016, a petition filed by the aggrieved in Madras HC is pending. Her case was supported by Ending Clergy Abuse, an international NGO as well as many activists. It is only the order of a quasi judicial authority; the mighty Layola Administration stands shamed all the same. Now, it will leave no stone unturned to deny the victim the justice.
Just hark back to Kerala. Fr. Franco Mulakkal , of Jallundur Diocese, is charged for sexual abuse committed between 2014-16; his case is pending from 2018. Recently the Syro- Malabar Church came out with a 2021 calendar featuring his photo; it attracted severe criticism. The political and money power could only delay the framing of charges. Kerala HC recently dismissed a petition seeking to drop the charges.
Only very few, out of thousands, of such cases committed against women and children by the Pastors / Fathers day in and day out across the world reach this stage. The Vatican is also helpless against the powerful. However, in India, awareness against such social evil is growing, braving the powerful secular lobby.It is a welcome sign.
