Six Bajrang Dal members accused of vandalising Christmas decorations at Raipur’s Magneto Mall were released on bail, an event that soon drew criticism after turning into a public celebration.

The case relates to an incident during the Christmas season in which the group allegedly forced entry into the mall and damaged festive installations, including Christmas trees and decorative ornaments placed in common areas. The act reportedly caused disruption inside the mall and alarmed shoppers and staff, prompting police intervention and the arrest of those involved.

However, the release on bail was followed by scenes outside the premises that sparked controversy. Supporters gathered to welcome the accused with drums, garlands and celebratory music. Videos circulated on social media showed slogans being raised, including “Isai Missionary Murdabad,” which many observers described as provocative and intimidating.

Civil society organisations and minority groups condemned the public display, warning that celebrating individuals accused of vandalism could embolden intolerance and heighten communal tensions. They emphasised that bail does not amount to exoneration and called for restraint and respect for the rule of law.

Police officials stated that the investigation into the Magneto Mall incident is ongoing and assured that legal proceedings will continue in accordance with established procedures. Authorities also appealed to the public to maintain peace and allow the judicial process to take its course.

A Christmas prayer service in Bengaluru was disrupted when an individual entered a church during worship, interrupted prayers, questioned core Christian beliefs, and allegedly intimidated the pastor and members of the congregation. The incident caused distress among worshippers and temporarily halted the service.

The disruption drew condemnation from an international policy advisor associated with a United Nations–linked civil society organisation, who described the act as a clear violation of constitutional rights. Referring to Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, and Article 21, which safeguards dignity and personal liberty, the official said a place of worship cannot be treated as a platform for debate or provocation. The response also addressed remarks questioning Christian doctrine, noting that the faith presents the virgin birth as a divine act rather than a biological event, and therefore outside the scope of scientific verification.

Legal observers pointed out that freedom of speech under Article 19 is subject to reasonable restrictions and does not extend to trespass, harassment, or disruption of religious gatherings. Such conduct, they said, may invite provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to outraging religious feelings, criminal intimidation, intentional insult, and breach of peace.

Faith leaders appealed for restraint and respect for constitutional values, stressing that India’s strength lies in equal protection under law. They reiterated that every citizen, regardless of belief, has the right to worship peacefully without fear, intimidation, or humiliation.

Christmas preparations at St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, located in Assam’s Nalbari district, were disrupted on December 24 when a group of miscreants allegedly stormed the school campus, vandalised decorations, and set festive materials on fire while raising religious slogans.

According to accounts from school authorities, the group entered the premises in the afternoon seeking to meet the school principal, Fr. Baiju Sebastian. In his absence, they confronted members of the religious staff present on campus and warned them against holding Christmas programmes. At the time, the principal was attending an official meeting with the district administration and was unable to respond immediately.

Witnesses said the group removed hoardings, pulled down decorative lighting, and damaged Christmas displays. Videos of the incident later circulated on social media, showing slogans being raised during the disruption. The incident caused fear among staff and disrupted preparations for the festival.

After returning to the campus, Fr. Sebastian informed senior police officials and the matter was also brought to the attention of the diocesan authorities. A formal complaint is expected to be submitted to the police. Law enforcement officials in Nalbari confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Condemning the incident, the school administration said the disruption amounted to intimidation and violated the constitutional right to celebrate religious festivals peacefully. Church authorities have appealed for calm and prayer, stressing that such incidents will not affect their commitment to education and social service. St. Mary’s School serves nearly 1,000 students from diverse backgrounds in the region. The incident comes at a significant time for the local diocese, which is observing key institutional milestones this year, and has renewed concerns over religious freedom during the Christmas season.

            A Christmas gift distribution programme for Christians in Madhya Pradesh descended into controversy after a BJP district vice-president allegedly assaulted and verbally abused a visually impaired Christian woman in Jabalpur, accusing her of facilitating religious conversion. Video footage circulated on social media shows Anju Bhargav, a district vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), confronting and striking the woman during the event. Witnesses said the woman, a member of the Christian community, was targeted while participating in Christmas-related activities organised for local Christians.

According to those present, the confrontation erupted when Christians questioned the BJP leader over the distribution of Christmas gifts. During the altercation, Bhargav allegedly accused the visually impaired woman of enabling religious conversion. A police officer was present at the scene but is seen in the footage standing by without intervening, prompting sharp criticism from rights groups.

The visuals, first reported by Mathrubhumi News, went viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation. Christian organisations and civil rights activists described the incident as an attack on a vulnerable Christian woman and a disturbing example of intimidation against the Christian minority during the Christmas season. Activists said the assault reflects a growing pattern of harassment of Christians in the state, particularly during religious celebrations. They have demanded immediate action against those responsible and sought an explanation from the police over their inaction. As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the BJP leadership or the district administration, and it remains unclear whether any legal proceedings have been initiated.

            The education department in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, has issued a warning to schools against forcing students to attend school dressed as Santa Claus, stating that strict action will be taken against any institution found violating the directive. According to the order, schools must not compel students to participate in such activities or place undue pressure on parents. “Action will be taken under rules if any school is found forcing students,” the order clearly stated, emphasising that compliance with the instruction is mandatory.

The directive was issued on December 22 by Ashok Wadhwa, Additional District Education Officer, who cautioned schools against imposing unnecessary obligations on students or their families. The order underlined that participation in festive activities should remain voluntary and free from coercion. The education department further clarified that if any student is compelled or if parents are pressurised to ensure their child’s participation, the responsibility will rest solely with the concerned school management. In such cases, disciplinary action will be initiated in accordance with existing rules and regulations. The move follows a representation submitted by the Bharat-Tibet Sahyog Manch to the district education authorities. In its complaint, the organisation alleged that some schools in recent years have compelled children to dress up as Santa Claus during Christmas-related activities, leading to resentment and discomfort among parents. The representation claimed that such practices have caused unease within sections of the parent community, prompting calls for administrative intervention to prevent schools from enforcing participation in activities perceived as unnecessary or insensitive. Officials indicated that the order aims to prevent avoidable disputes and ensure that schools adhere strictly to educational norms without imposing additional social or cultural expectations on students. The department has warned that violations will invite strict action under the applicable rules.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee joined the Christmas Eve service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, marking her continued presence at the annual celebration in the city. The solemn liturgical service was presided over by Archbishop Dr Elias Frank of Calcutta. On her arrival at the cathedral premises, the Chief Minister was received by the Archbishop and senior clergy. She inaugurated the Christmas crib set up at the cathedral before proceeding inside the church. Security arrangements restricted entry to parishioners, invited dignitaries and members of the media.

The service included a carol session featuring hymns in Bengali and English, creating a prayerful atmosphere inside the historic cathedral. The Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, including Member of Parliament Derek O’Brien, participated in the service with reverence. During the celebration, a Christmas message reflecting on the spiritual significance of the season was delivered, drawing attention to the central message of faith, hope and peace associated with the birth of Christ. The Chief Minister was later invited to the sanctuary, where the Archbishop offered a special blessing and she greeted the congregation.

Ms Banerjee also extended her greetings to the Missionaries of Charity sisters present at the service, acknowledging their contribution to society through service to the poor and marginalised. The Holy Eucharistic celebration continued in a solemn and prayerful manner, with the faithful joining in the observance of Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The Chief Minister’s participation once again underscored the tradition of communal harmony and interfaith respect associated with Christmas celebrations in Kolkata.

At a time when incidents of hostility toward Christmas carol groups have been reported from several parts of North India, Kerala has offered a contrasting picture marked by interfaith warmth and everyday coexistence. Across the state, Christian carol groups moving through neighbourhoods were received with openness and goodwill by Hindu and Muslim families, reflecting a social culture rooted in shared living rather than religious suspicion.

In many localities, Hindu households welcomed carol singers, listening attentively and offering tea, sweets, or traditional payasam. In some instances, Hindu devotees singing bhajans in praise of Lord Ayyappa paused their prayers and spontaneously joined in Christmas carols, treating the songs as part of the festive season’s shared joy rather than a religious intrusion.

Muslim neighbourhoods also witnessed similar gestures of harmony. Carol groups stopping outside Muslim homes were greeted with smiles and encouragement, with residents stepping out to listen or record the moment. Several families offered refreshments and exchanged Christmas greetings, echoing the mutual respect traditionally shown during festivals such as Eid. These interactions appeared natural and unforced, shaped by long-standing familiarity among communities.

In parts of northern Kerala, carol groups were welcomed near temples and by groups of Hindu devotees. The exchange of sweets and greetings turned religious expressions into neighbourhood celebrations, highlighting a spirit of inclusiveness. Set against rising communal tensions elsewhere, these scenes from Kerala challenge narratives that portray religious celebrations as sources of conflict. Instead, they underline a social reality where faith does not lead to exclusion and celebration does not require division. Through simple, everyday interactions, Kerala’s streets offered a quiet reminder that communal harmony can remain strong when it is lived naturally.

          Around 15 to 20 Bajrang Dal members gathered outside the gate of St. Alphonsus Cathedral on December 24 following objections raised over a Christmas programme held on the cathedral campus. The group remained outside the premises, raised slogans and recited religious verses outside the church gate. Bishop Ignatius D’Souza of Bareilly said the incident stemmed from a programme held on the campus that addressed contemporary social causes. According to him, the programme—organised by a school—highlighted social issues and values.

However, he said certain individuals made assumptions that the presentation was intended to belittle Hindus, an allegation he said was not supported by facts. The Bishop said a complaint was subsequently taken to the police station seeking the registration of an FIR against the school management. He stated that police officials asked for factual evidence to support the allegations, but as no such material was produced, no FIR was registered. He added that the police acted in a cooperative manner throughout and informed the Church in advance about a proposed protest, while also deploying personnel to ensure safety.

Fr. John Stany D’Silva, Parish Priest of. St. Alphonsus Cathedral, said the group arrived in the evening and stayed for about 20 minutes. He said slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram” and “Vande Bharat” were raised, following which the Hanuman Chalisa was recited, and the group dispersed without interacting with anyone. He further said that Christmas celebrations at the cathedral continued the following day, with over one lakh people visiting the cathedral, and the celebrations proceeded without any incident.

Latin Catholic Day was observed with enthusiasm across parishes of the Latin Church in Kerala, as the community united under the leadership of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC) to reaffirm their shared identity and solidarity. The coordinated observance featured parish-level programmes, public gatherings, and community reflections highlighting the contributions and aspirations of Latin Catholics in the state. The central celebration took place at the Varapuzha Archdiocesan Bishop’s House, where Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil inaugurated the day by hoisting the KRLCC flag. Across the state, parishes marked the occasion with prayers, cultural programmes, and gatherings that celebrated the community’s heritage and collective strength. Latin Catholic Day served as a moment for renewed commitment to social justice, equal opportunities, and community welfare, while reinforcing the message that unity remains essential for addressing contemporary challenges.

Salesian College Sonada alumnus Fr N.T. Scaria Nedumattathil  has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Prison Reforms with Compassion at the 15th International Human Rights Summit & Awards, held on International Human Rights Day at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi. The event was organised by the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice. The Global Jury celebrated Fr Scaria’s three decades of transformative service among prisoners across West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar. His mission began in 1995 with a simple visit to the Berhampore Central Correctional Home, which ignited a lifelong ministry rooted in dignity and hope. Over the years, he established vocational training, legal aid, counselling, family support, and notably, the world’s first certified motor driving school inside a prison, enabling life convicts to earn licences and secure employment.

Under his leadership, the Don Bosco Prison Ministry evolved into a powerful movement of rehabilitation and reintegration, touching thousands of inmates and their families. Music, sports, theatre, and cultural programmes further helped inmates rediscover confidence and camaraderie. Fr Scaria has previously been recognised by the National Legal Services Authority (2006) and received the Pascual Chávez Award (2012) for innovative pastoral leadership. A documentary titled Joy Behind Bars (2022) captured his impact and shifted public attitudes toward prisoners. Now in his eighties, Fr Scaria attributes the recognition to collective effort, saying, “This is God’s work, carried out by many hands.” Calling prison ministry essential to the Salesian mission, he continues to inspire clergy, volunteers, and reformers to embrace justice with compassion.