High Court Upholds Carol Singing Rights After Police Denial in Madhya Pradesh

Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, Dec 19, 2025: Four Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Jhabua were denied permission to conduct Christmas carol singing after local police refused to accept programme applications, prompting the diocese to approach the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which protected the right to conduct carol singing.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Fr. Rockey Shah, PRO of the Catholic Diocese of Jhabua, said that for several years parishes in the diocese have followed local government norms by informing authorities in advance about Christmas programmes — from carol singing through New Year celebrations — and have routinely received permission.

He said that this year, priests went to their respective police stations to submit the required programme information, but applications from four parishes were not accepted.

According to Fr. Shah, the priests were instead directed to approach the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office. As per procedure, the SDM sought reports from the concerned police stations on whether permission should be granted.

“The same police stations submitted reports stating that the priests would carry out religious conversion and other activities, and requested that permission should not be given,” Fr. Shah told Catholic Connect.

Based on these reports, the SDM issued orders denying permission for carol singing to the parishes, allowing them only to celebrate Christmas without carol activities. 

Following the denial, the Diocese of Jhabua approached the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, where a petition was filed challenging the SDM’s order. Fr. Shah said the court delivered an oral order in favour of the parishes, stating that they are free to sing carols at the homes of their parishioners.

“We received justice yesterday. The verdict is in our favour. The order has been passed orally, and we are waiting for the typed hard copy,” he said, adding that video records of the proceedings were available.

By Catholic Connect Reporter