Thread by @sandhyaravishan

I haven't seen the SLP filed by the TN govt. But now that I have gone through the order by Justice GR Swaminathan, I am sharing some thoughts here about the order itself - well, because it's a free country. #thanjavur #ariyalur #student #suicide.

(1/n)

No one doubts that conversion takes place in TN. It is not illegal. In fact it is a fundamental right to propagate one's religion as per Constitution. It is only forced conversion which is illegal. (2/n)

Justice GRS seems to ignore these when he quotes the Bible, movies and even refers to a magazine article to say conversion takes place. Yes, we know. But what if, as you did, petitioners refer to movies to bolster their arguments since they contain 'kernels of truth'? (3/n)

Why bring Michaelpatti into the order, Your Lordship? It has no bearing on the case. Should we also investigate St Thomas Mount, Santhome & other such? What exactly is the judge trying to say? (4/n)

Judge says shooting video isn't a problem but sharing without blurring the face of the child is. It is established that Muthuvel shot the video. Who else could have shared it? Judge exhorts investigations into all angles. Shouldn't Muthuvel's motives also be investigated? (5/n)

Why is the complaint to Childline dismissed by the Judge? Again, shouldn't allegations against the parents also be investigated? L's fellow students, teachers have all spoken about ill-treatment by stepmother. That too is in the order. (6/n)

Video is authentic. But versions of people in the village, L's school mates, grandparents, teachers in the school are inauthentic? Why give clean chit to parents of L? These are serious allegations that also need investigating. (7/n)

As per the girl's dying declaration before the judicial magistrate, the accused is hostel warden Sagaya Mary. She was arrested. Investigation is proceeding. More arrests could take place as probe proceeds. What does this statement mean at all? "Fasten blame" (8/n)

Innocent until proven guilty, no Judge? You believe lawyer Xavier Arul & Benitto don't believe in conversion. But you will not believe Sagaya Mary or Rachel Mary? Condemned before trial? (9/n)

Finally. Judge strangely dismisses crucial evidence in a line. A 2018-19 handbook in which L has written suicidal thoughts. This might show that L was suicidal well before the alleged offer to convert her in 2020. Shouldn't Judge ask for this to be probed? (10/n)

As for the rest of the order. I personally feel the SP of Thanjavur should not have dismissed the forced conversion claims. I also believe ministers should learn to remain silent on investigations. There is no doubt that their comments have thrown doubt on the probe. (11/n)

Also it is established fact that suicide (a) can run in families; (b) does not have just one cause; (c) is a culmination of many years of depression & feeling of isolation; (d) small triggers can cause suicide as the negative emotions peak. (12/n)

I personally believe we should look for justice for that poor tortured soul who ended her life. Whoever may be responsible for making her young life a living hell must be punished. Whether it is the school or her family or her friends, let all angles be investigated. (n/n)