Court warns Bishop Franco of arrest after he skips hearing for 13th time

Bishop Mulakkal should have been arrested by now for abstaining from the court on 13 occasions.

Kochi (Kerala) – The trial Court in Kochi had warned the rape accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal, who is accused of raping a 44-year-old nun, of arrest and cancellation of bail for failing to appear before the court for 13 times in connection with the hearing of the rape case against him. Reportedly, the lawyers for the clergyman has sought adjournments 13 times. The Trial Court had even summoned the rape accused Bishop Franco on 1st July 2020; however, the accused Franco failed to appear again, this time angering the court.

The lawyers had claimed that the Archdiocese of Jalandhar was under containment zone restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic and added that Bishop Franco had failed to obtain permission to travel out of Jalandhar. However, the court did not entertain the alibi presented by Bishop Franco’s side and warned them of cancelling the bail if Bishop Franco fails to appear before the court during the next hearing.

High Court dismissed plea to stay the case

Bishop Franco, had approached the High Court to stay the rape case filed by the victim nun. However, the Kerala High Court did not admit the petition and rejected his plea. The Kerala Government had informed the High Court that there is ample evidence against the Bishop in the rape case.