That was the issue of debate in the ongoing trials of the "exorcism" case yesterday, where Madam Amutha Valli Krishnan, 52, is suing the Redemptorist Order, along with two of its priests and six other church members, of forcing an exorcism on her at Novena Church on Aug 10, 2004.

Father Simon Tan Hon Lip, 45, was the first defendant to take the stand and claimed that an exorcism had not taken place and he was just praying for Madam Valli's deliverance.

He also claimed many confused the two types of prayers.

According to the The Straits Times, he said he was approached by Madam Valli's family, who claimed Madam Valli was possessed by the spirit of a dead soldier. They requested for Father Simon to pray for her.

The priest had obliged as such requests were not uncommon in his church.

The Straits Times also reported that Madam Valli's lawyer, Mr Bajwa, asserted that an exorcism had indeed taken place as Father Simon had asked the spirit to leave Madam Valli's body.

Mr Bajwa then accused Father Simon of being negligent as the priest had not followed the proper protocol for an exorcism.

The Straits Times reported that according to Mr Bajwa, the "patient" has to first undergo psychological tests to prove that he/she is not mentally ill.

The Archbishop then approves a professional exorcist to perform the act - and this religious official must fast and pray before performing the rite.

According to Father Simon, he had along with another priest, sprinkled holy water on Madam Valli and prayed over her when she became hysterical and thrashed about violently.

Several church members were called to strain Madam Valli, who was even trying to strangle herself. Prosecutor Mr Bajwa however explained that Madam Valli's reactions were simply an instinctive response as she felt she was in danger.

Madam Valli claims to be traumatised after the incident, and is now seeking damages.

Previous reports of The Straits Times said defense lawyers are trying to prove that Madam Valli is faking her symptoms in a bid to gain compensation .

After the alleged "exorcism" was over, Madam Valli's family had asked for Father Simon's full name and identity card number.

Father Simon withheld his identity card number but gave his name.