Legal notice served on organisers of December 13 Christmas event at Girgaon Chowpatty

A legal dispute has arisen over 'Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav 2026', proposed for December 13, 2026, at Mumbai's Girgaon Chowpatty, where the birth of Jesus is celebrated on a large scale every year around Christmas. Legal objections have been raised over the permissions required for the event, compliance with environmental rules, public safety and transparency in fundraising.

The notice has been sent by advocate Pankaj P. Manekar on behalf of Avinash Panchal. It seeks clarification from the people, organisations and office-bearers connected with the event on several issues. It also says that until the necessary legal permissions are obtained, no impression should be created that the event has received official approval, and that publicity, advertising and promotion should be stopped. The organisers and organisations have been asked to send a written reply within seven days.

The notice names Bishop Alan Rocky Anthony, Bishop Augustus Anthony, Pastor Vipin Masih, Pastor Shubham Kumar, Furtados Music India Pvt. Ltd. and the RESOUND Band. Abraham Mathai is also mentioned. According to the notice, Mathai is president of the Harmony Foundation and an office-bearer associated with the Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav Samiti. The Harmony Foundation and the Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav Samiti 2026 are also named. Details have been sought of each party's role in the event, and of permissions, sponsorship and fundraising arrangements.

Girgaon Chowpatty is a public beach area, so Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules must be followed when holding a large event there. The notice asks which permissions the event requires and whether they have been obtained. It also raises concerns over the temporary stage, loudspeakers, generators, the likely crowd, the use of plastic and the disposal of waste after the event. It further asks for details of the precautions the organisers have taken on noise pollution control, sewage arrangements, protection of the environment and the possible impact on coastal biodiversity.

On funds, the notice says that if donations, ticket sales, corporate sponsorship or any other financial support are being taken, the details should be disclosed transparently. It mentions HDFC Bank and Citibank accounts and the financial arrangements for fundraising. It also seeks information on the legal registration of the organisations concerned, their authority to accept funds, transactions and audits. However, the mention of bank accounts or the raising of questions about funds does not mean financial irregularity has been established. The organisations' responses and official financial records will be important.

The notice also asks what the event actually is, that is, whether it is a cultural and music festival or whether it includes other religious activities. It records allegations and references relating to some individuals and organisations, but these have not been separately verified and cannot be treated as established facts.

According to the notice, the written reply, due within seven days of receipt, must give details of the legal entity responsible for the event, the necessary government permissions, the fundraising arrangements, sponsorship and compliance with applicable rules. It also seeks a halt to publicity until the necessary permissions and legal compliance are clear. If the demands are not met, the notice keeps open the option of complaints to the concerned administrative officials and court action.

The Mumbai Collector's office, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the police concerned could have a role in the matter. Whether permission has been taken, whether environmental rules are being followed and whether the fundraising arrangements are legal must be established from official records.