The government of India’s Kerala state has allowed Church groups and NGOs to resume religious and counseling services for prisoners in jails.
The government revoked the March 31 order of Kerala Jail Director General of Police Balram Kumar Upadhyay banning these groups from prison.
The lifting of the ban came after a meeting between Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Council of Kerala (KCBC and state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
A press note from KCBC spokesperson Father Jacob Palackapilly said the Jesus Fraternity that functions under the conference will conduct Maundy Thursday services in various jails in Kerala.
The police order had shocked officials of the Prison Ministry in India and the Jesus Fraternity that have for decades visited jails to conduct religious services for prisoners and to offer psychological help.
The police order came two days before the Church began the Holy Week observance.
The press note said the chief minister has already informed Upadhyay of the government decision.
Cardinal Cleemis on March 5 telephoned the chief minister twice to say that it was injustice to deny prisoners’ right to seek help for psychological and religious needs.
Father Palackapilly dubbed as unjust the ban on the voluntary groups that offered help for the prisoners’ inner conversion and religious life.
The priest also said the Jesus Fraternity volunteers’ services have helped the growth of prisoners psychological and spiritual life.
Earlier, the officials of the Prison Ministry India expressed shock over the police order.
Father Martin Thattil, who coordinates the ministry’s services in Kerala, said they had permission to visit jails in the state until July 4.
Jail authorities annually renew the permission.
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