Matters India Reporter
Jhabua, Dec 19, 2025: In a significant affirmation of religious freedom, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has upheld the right of Catholic parishes in Jhabua diocese to conduct Christmas carol singing, after local police and administrative authorities denied permission.
For years, parishes in the tribal diocese have followed government norms by informing authorities in advance about Christmas programmes, ranging from carol singing to New Year celebrations. Permissions were routinely granted. This year, however, priests from four parishes found their applications refused at local police stations.
“They were told to approach the Sub‑Divisional Magistrate,” explained Fr. Rockey Shah, diocesan PRO. The SDM, in turn, sought reports from the same police stations, which alleged that carol singing could lead to “religious conversion and other activities.” On that basis, the SDM denied permission, restricting parishes to Christmas Masses without carol processions.
The diocese challenged the order before the High Court. In its oral ruling, the court protected the parishes’ right to sing carols, clarifying that they are free to do so at the homes of parishioners. “We received justice yesterday. The verdict is in our favour,” Fr. Shah said, noting that the written order is awaited and video records of the proceedings are available.
The case highlights the continuing tension between local restrictions and constitutional guarantees of religious practice. For the faithful of Jhabua, the High Court’s intervention ensures that the sound of carols will once again echo through village homes this Christmas.