Accusations Against Fr. Stan Swamy Unfounded, Says Jesuit Priest on Lecture Cancellation

Mumbai, August 8, 2025: The decision to cancel a planned Stan Swamy Memorial Lecture at at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, has prompted concern among members of the Jesuit community. Speaking on the development, Jesuit priest Dr. Frazer Mascarenhas S.J. expressed sadness over the outcome, noting that the event was intended to honour the life and work of the late priest.

Dr. Mascarenhas stated that the accusations made by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) against Fr. Stan Swamy were “totally unfounded,” noting that both the Pune Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had, for more than five years, been unable to prove the charges in a court of law. He pointed out that the case had not yet begun and suggested it might be delayed indefinitely “for fear of being thrown out as fabricated.”

Highlighting Fr. Stan’s work, Dr. Mascarenhas emphasised that what should be “published far and wide” was his “unique contribution” to the empowerment of adivasis, particularly through his advocacy of the Constitutional provisions granting them special status in Indian society. He stressed that such provisions depended on the rule of law, “not the rule of the mob.”

He further explained that, since it was now impossible to prove the accusations against Fr. Stan due to his death, the Jesuits—represented by him—had filed two cases in the Bombay High Court. These cases aim to clear Fr. Stan’s name and seek compensation for what he called “false charges and the ill-treatment in jail,” which they believe led to his death.

While acknowledging that it may be “difficult for the ABVP activists to appreciate such finer points of reasoning,” Dr. Mascarenhas expressed regret that their actions had resulted in the cancellation of what he described as a “meaningful Memorial Lecture.” He concluded by remarking that such incidents reflect “the state of democracy our country has degenerated to.”

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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