Catholic groups in Mumbai are pitting against one another over surveillance cameras installed in the women’s wash-room of St Michael’s Church in Mumbai’s Mahim.
While two women filed a police complaint against the church authorities, accusing the priests of voyeurism and stalk-ing, Catholic association has called it a campaign to defame priests, the Hindustan Times reported.
On Sept 9, groups supporting the priests walked to the Mahim police station to submit a memorandum supporting the priests. They said they will consult their lawyers to discuss legal action against those accusing the priests of crime.
The police have not yet registered a FIR, but have said that they are investigating the complaints and have spoken to the women who felt the cameras were obtrusive.
The church said that the cameras were put up after complaints of thefts in the washrooms, but a group called the Association of Concerned Catholics (AOCC) said that the devices violate voyeurism and stalking laws.
“The cameras can film women in a private affair. Applying lipstick or combing hair in front of the washroom mirror is also a private affair,” said Joseph Sodder, a lawyer and member of AOCC.
