‘Centre should give draft copy of UCC to prevent confusion among people’: Mangaluru Catholic Sabha
Mangaluru: The Catholic Sabha Central Committee has called for the Central Government to release a draft copy of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to provide better understanding of the proposed law.
During a press conference held at the Press Club in Mangaluru, the Catholic Sabha's legal advisor, Praveen Pinto, expressed the view that instead of using a questionnaire to collect public opinion, the government should provide details on how the implementation of the UCC would impact personal laws. Pinto suggested that a draft copy of the UCC would help alleviate confusion among the people and enable them to provide informed feedback on the code.
Pinto highlighted the diverse religious, caste, and tribal communities in India, with over 10 religions, 3,000 castes, 25,000 sub-castes, and numerous scheduled castes and tribes. He emphasized that personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption apply to all citizens of India, regardless of their religion, caste, or race. However, he noted that personal laws based on customs and traditions specific to religion, caste, and race have distinct importance from a cultural perspective. Pinto stated that retaining personal laws is vital to preserving the cultural diversity of the country.
Allwyn D’Souza, President of the Catholic Sabha Mangaluru, requested that the state government declare September 8, the day Christians in the coastal district have been celebrating the Harvest Festival for centuries, as a government holiday. D’Souza also urged the government to increase the grant allocated to the Christian Development Corporation from Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore. Additionally, he called for the withdrawal of the anti-conversion law.
Former presidents of the Catholic Sabha, Paulo Rolphy D’Costa and Stanley Lobo, as well as General Secretary Wilma Monteiro and others, were present at the press conference.
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Christmas decorations vandalised by VHP activists at school in Nalbari; Tension in area
Nalbari: Tension prevailed in the Panigaon area of Nalbari district on December 24 after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly entered the premises of St Mary’s School and vandalised materials prepared for Christmas celebrations.
According to local sources, activists of the VHP and Bajrang Dal entered the school campus ahead of Christmas and raised slogans inside the premises. It is alleged that Christmas-related decorations and materials kept within the school compound were damaged and set on fire.
Eyewitnesses said that members of the Bajrang Dal were the first to enter the campus, during which they allegedly raised slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram,” “Jai Hindu Rashtra,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and burnt items prepared for Christmas celebrations. The incident created panic among local residents and led to concerns over law and order in the area. No injuries have been reported so far.
The incident comes amid reports of similar acts in Nalbari town in recent days, where Christmas decorations displayed at several commercial establishments were allegedly set on fire.
Reacting to the incident, fact-checker Mohammed Zubair said on social media that VHP and Bajrang Dal activists entered St Mary’s School on Christmas Eve, raised slogans and destroyed Christmas decorations. His post drew attention to the incident and sparked wider discussion online.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Further details are awaited.
On Christmas Eve, Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal goons entered St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, Nalbari, chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hindu Rashtra.” They destroyed and set fire to all Christmas decorations prepared at the school. pic.twitter.com/LQHV7FWUvz
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 24, 2025
