Story by Rajkumar
Mumbai, October 28: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Avinash Panchal, through his lawyer Pankaj P. Manechkar, has issued a legal notice to the organizers, sponsors, performers, and associated religious leaders of the ‘Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav 2026’ (Lord Jesus Birth Festival 2026). The notice raises concerns regarding the violation of environmental regulations, the status of mandatory legal permissions, and potential financial irregularities.
The 22-page notice pertains to the ‘Mumbai Christmas Musical Festival,’ scheduled to be held at Girgaon Chowpatty on December 13, 2026. It demands that the organizers provide details—within seven days—regarding the necessary legal clearances, financial transactions, and audit records.
According to the notice, the organizers have promoted the event as if it has already received approval; however, it is alleged that the required permissions and ‘No-Objection Certificates’ (NOCs) from the relevant authorities have not been made public. The notice cites a Bombay High Court order dated November 29, 2022 (PIL No. 3443/2019), which governs the granting of permissions for public events at Girgaon Chowpatty.
The notice also highlights environmental concerns, specifically regarding the event’s location in a coastal zone, the construction of temporary stages, noise levels, waste management, and the use of diesel generators. It is alleged that the event could adversely affect the coastal ecosystem, necessitating a thorough review of environmental clearances and compliance with relevant regulations.
Furthermore, the notice addresses financial matters, raising questions regarding the sale of premium seats, the collection of donations, and the procurement of sponsorship funds. Additionally, details have been requested regarding the organizations hosting the event, their bank accounts, and their audit records.
Furthermore, the notice mentions criminal cases and complaints filed against certain individuals associated with the event. It also refers to allegations concerning religious conversions in Uttar Pradesh. These claims have been presented by the complainant and have not been independently verified for this report. The recipients of the notice include members of the ‘Glory to God Team’, various pastors, ‘Furtados Music India’, ‘Resound Band’, ‘Harmony Foundation’, and ‘Prabhu Yeshu Janmotsav Samiti 2026’. Copies of the notice have also been sent to several government and regulatory authorities, including the Mumbai City Collector, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
The notice demands an end to the promotion of the event and seeks public clarification regarding necessary permits, donations, and compliance with statutory audit requirements. It warns that if these demands are not met within seven days, the complainant may initiate further legal action before the Bombay High Court, the National Green Tribunal, and other relevant authorities.
The allegations and claims made in the notice are subject to verification by the competent authorities. The issuance of this notice does not constitute proof that any violations have occurred, nor does it imply that the proposed event has been cancelled.