In early 2012 a statue of Jesus at the Church of Our Lady of Velankanni in Mumbai began to drip water from its feet. Thousands came to see and collect this 'holy' water, with some even drinking it. As with all events of the sort, some came to determine how or why it happened.
One of those men was founder and president of Rationalist International and president of the Indian Rationalist Association, Sanal Edamaruku. He had previously been known for questioning Mother Teresa's legacy and challenging a tantric to kill him with his powers (the man failed on live TV).
Edamaruku found that it was only faulty plumbing that was to blame for the dripping statue, and explained so on TV. This included a heated debate between Edamaruku and the priest of Our Lady of Velankanni church and representatives of the Association of Concerned Catholics.
As a result of this, Edamaruku was charged with insulting religion, a crime akin to blasphemy. He received death threats which led to him seek exile in Finland where he tried to gather support. He claims the 1860 law is old and obsolete, being drafted under colonial rule, and conflicts with the Indian constitution which guarantees free speech.
Edamaruku isn't scared of a trial. Said Edamaruku: 'If it comes to a trial, I have nothing to fear. I would welcome the opportunity to throw some light on the role that the Catholic Church played and is still playing today here in India. The possibility of arrest is threatening, however.'
