A court in Ranchi, Jharkhand has acquitted a member of the Missionaries of Charity and two other defendants in a child trafficking case that has drawn national attention since 2018.
The ruling brings an end to a lengthy legal process that affected the congregation founded by Saint Teresa of Calcutta and raised concerns among Christian leaders across India.
The case centred on allegations that a newborn baby had been unlawfully transferred from a children's home operated by the Missionaries of Charity in Ranchi. Following the accusations, Sister Concilia of the Missionaries of Charity was arrested and later spent three years in prison before being granted bail.
The allegations also led to investigations into several homes run by the congregation in Jharkhand. One facility in Hinoo, which cared for newborn children, was closed by authorities during the investigation.
After nearly eight years of court proceedings, the Ranchi Civil Court delivered its verdict on 18 June, finding Sister Concilia and her two co-defendants not guilty and dismissing all charges against them.
Christian leaders welcomed the decision, describing it as an important moment for the congregation and for those who had supported the accused throughout the legal process.
Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas of Daltonganj said the verdict marked the triumph of truth after years of hardship. He noted that the case had caused significant difficulties for the Missionaries of Charity and affected their charitable work in various parts of the region.
According to the bishop, the allegations received widespread publicity at the time, leading to scrutiny of many institutions operated by the congregation. Despite these challenges, the Missionaries of Charity continued serving poor, abandoned and vulnerable people while the legal proceedings were ongoing.
The bishop also highlighted the efforts made to secure bail for Sister Concilia, describing it as a long and difficult process that took several years.
Following the court's decision, Bishop Mascarenhas expressed gratitude to God and thanked the legal team, religious sisters and supporters who remained involved throughout the case.
He also recognised the leadership of Sister Mary Prema, former Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity, and Sister Joseph, the congregation's current leader, for guiding the order during a period of intense public scrutiny.
Many Catholics and supporters from other faith backgrounds stood alongside the congregation during the legal proceedings, offering encouragement and prayers over the years.
Church leaders across India have said the ruling helps restore confidence in the Missionaries of Charity's longstanding ministry among society's most vulnerable people.
For the congregation, the verdict closes a difficult chapter and brings renewed hope after years of legal uncertainty, while reaffirming confidence in the justice system.
Adapted and rewritten from original reporting by Asia News and Matters India.
