Kerala HC directs sister Lucy to vacate convent

The Kerala High Court has directed sister Lucy Kalappura to vacate the convent, stating that it will provide her police protection only outside the convent premises.

Ernakulam:The Kerala High Court on Wednesday has ordered sister Lucy Kalappura to vacate the Franciscan Clarist Convent at Karakkamala, stating that it will provide her police protection only outside the convent premises. A bench led by Justice Rajavijayaraghavan observed that the Vatican had rejected the review petition of sister Lucy against the decision of Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) to expel her for 'failing' to explain her lifestyle, which allegedly violated church rules.

During the hearing, sister Lucy pleaded with the high court to not make her leave the convent since she had been a nun there for decades. However, the Kerala HC stated that 'protection to life' will be granted to sister Lucy whenever she chooses to stay but only outside the convent.

Read:|Kerala HC directs cops to ensure protection to nun

This is the first time, a nun defended herself in court after no lawyer was ready to represent sister Lucy. Sister Lucy asked the court to give her time to approach the civil court. During the hearing, sister Lucy said, "Do not throw me out on the streets. Many nuns like me would be thrown into the street."

Meanwhile, a case is pending in the civil court against her expulsion from the FCC monastery. Sister Lucy asked the court to allow her to remain in the monastery until a decision was made in the case. Talking to reporters, sister Lucy responded said that she would not leave the monastery whether police protection was provided or not.

"The court said protection would be provided if I leave the convent. Where will I go even if they asked me to vacate? The congregation took action against me for speaking out on behalf of the nun who was abused. How I will live happily if the court also tells me to leave the convent?", sister Lucy asked.

Read:|Vatican rejects third appeal of expelled Kerala nun

"The National Commission for Women has intervened in the matter. I had asked the government to provide protection. I will stay in the convent with that courage. I have been a nun and staying in the convent for 40 years. Which court can ask me to move out of the convent?" Sister Lucy Kalappura said to the media.

Earlier, the Kerala High Court on July 12 directed the police to provide adequate protection, if necessary, to the life and property of the nun who alleged that she was facing threat from the authorities of her convent and some priests of her diocese. Considering a plea filed by sister Lucy seeking police protection, Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan has also issued notice to authorities of Franciscan Clarist Congregation and two priests of Mananthavady diocese of Syrian Catholic Church.

Lucy Kalappura, who took part in a protest by nuns belonging to Missionaries of Jesus Congregation, seeking the arrest of Bishop Franco Mulakkal, accused of raping a nun, was expelled by the FCC in August 2019.

Read:|Vatican rejects 2nd appeal of Kerala nun expelled over 'lifestyle' rules