Delhi Police has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj, Sanjay Jha and Adil Ahmed Khan for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. This case is related to the alleged derogatory depiction of ‘Santa Claus’, the sacred symbol of the Christian community. The FIR has been registered on the basis of the complaint of lawyer Khushboo George.
According to the complaint, the controversy started after a video was shared on the official social media accounts of these leaders on December 17 and 18, 2025. This video was part of a political skit done in Connaught Place, Delhi. It is alleged that the video had shown Santa Claus, a respected religious and cultural symbol of the Christian community, in a very funny and objectionable manner.
Allegations of objectionable depiction in the video
The complainant says that the video shows Santa Claus falling on the road, and that he is merely being used as a “prop” to convey a political message rather than as a serious religious figure. A part of the video shows Santa Claus giving mock CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), which the Christian community considers an insult to Saint Nicholas and the holy season of Christmas.
‘Conspiracy to hurt religious sentiments’
It has been said in the FIR that this act was done deliberately and with bad intentions. Sharing such a video, especially during the last days of Advent (the holy season before Christmas), shows disrespect for Christianity. The Christian community believes that publicly mocking a sacred symbol in this manner for political gain is a deep insult to their faith.
Delhi Police action
Considering the seriousness of the matter, Delhi Police has registered a case under section 302 of the Indian Justice Code (BNS). According to the police, mocking or insulting any religious symbol in public is a punishable offence. “A case has been registered on the basis of allegations of hurting religious sentiments and attempting to disturb public order. Digital evidence and social media posts are being examined,” the police said.
