In a significant pre-Christmas ruling, the Delhi High Court has granted permission to Bishop Franco Mulakkal to purchase a substantial quantity of sacred wine required for religious ceremonies. The court has allowed the Bishop to buy and store up to 4000 litres of wine, which is considered essential for sacramental purposes within the church.
Court Lifts Travel Ban for Essential Procurement
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma delivered the order, which also includes a crucial modification to the Bishop's bail conditions. To facilitate this procurement, the court has temporarily lifted the travel ban previously imposed on Bishop Mulakkal. He is now permitted to travel to Kerala specifically for the purpose of acquiring the sacred wine.
The court has stipulated that this travel window is open from December 18 to December 22, 2024. This carefully defined period ensures the Bishop can complete the necessary arrangements well before the Christmas festivities begin.
Legal Conditions and Background of the Case
The order comes with strict legal safeguards. Bishop Mulakkal is required to provide his detailed travel itinerary, including flight and stay details, to the investigating agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Furthermore, he must inform the local police station in Kerala about his visit, ensuring full transparency and compliance with legal procedures.
This legal relief stems from an application filed by the Bishop, who argued that the sacred wine was indispensable for conducting Christmas mass and other related religious services. The wine is used in the sacrament of the Eucharist, a central rite in Christian worship, making its availability before the holiday season critical.
Bishop Franco Mulakkal, the former head of the Jalandhar diocese, is currently out on bail in a rape case filed against him. The travel restrictions were part of his bail conditions, which the court has now relaxed for this specific, time-bound purpose.
Implications and Broader Context
The court's decision highlights the judiciary's consideration for religious requirements while balancing the demands of an ongoing legal process. By allowing the procurement, the court has acknowledged the practical necessities of religious administration, especially during a major festival like Christmas.
The permission to store 4000 litres indicates the scale of need for the diocese, serving multiple churches and congregations. This ruling ensures that the religious community's preparations for Christmas can proceed without hindrance, while all standard legal conditions for the accused remain in force for the duration of the trial.
The CBI, which is investigating the main case, did not raise objections to this modified application, allowing the court to pass the order smoothly. The decision is seen as a pragmatic one, addressing an immediate logistical need without compromising the integrity of the judicial process.
