Delhi Pollution: FIR Filed Against AAP Leaders Over 'Santa Claus' Video on Delhi Pollution, Accused of Hurting Religious Sentiments

In a developing story from the nation's capital, Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against three prominent leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) – Saurabh Bhardwaj, Sanjeev Jha, and Adil Ahmed Khan. The action comes after the leaders allegedly posted a video on their social media handles depicting Santa Claus struggling with Delhi's severe air pollution. The police have accused them of hurting religious sentiments and misusing a sacred. Religious symbol for political purposes, sparking a new controversy in the city's political landscape.

Political Satire Turns Controversial

The Aam Aadmi Party leaders have been vocal critics of the Delhi government regarding the escalating pollution crisis. As part of their ongoing protest, on December 17 and 18, 2025, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Sanjeev Jha, and Adil Ahmed Khan shared a video on their official social media accounts, specifically 'X', while the video was reportedly part of a political skit performed in Connaught Place. It showed Santa Claus collapsing on the street, seemingly due to the pollution, and being subjected to a mock CPR attempt. The apparent intention behind the video was to satirize the government's handling of the rising air pollution in Delhi, while however, this satirical attempt has now led to legal repercussions.

Allegations of Hurting Religious Sentiments

The Delhi Police initiated legal action based on a complaint alleging. That the video deliberately targeted and insulted a revered religious figure. According to the complaint, Santa Claus is a sacred and respected religious-cultural symbol for the Christian community. The video's portrayal of Santa Claus in a humorous and disrespectful manner, showing him collapsing and being subjected to a mock CPR, is believed to have offended the sanctity of Saint Nicholas and the Christmas festival. The police contend that these actions were intentional and malicious, aimed at hurting the religious sentiments of the Christian community. The complaint further highlighted that using a religious symbol in such a political. Manner, especially during the final days of Advent, constitutes an insult to Christianity.

Police Action and Legal Framework

Taking the matter seriously, the Delhi Police have registered a case against the three AAP leaders under relevant sections of the law. As per the police, publicly ridiculing a religious symbol is a violation of Section 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This section specifically addresses acts committed with the intent to outrage or insult religious feelings. The police have seized the viral video and commenced an investigation into the matter. As of now, there has been no official response from the Aam Aadmi Party leaders regarding the police action. The police have stated that they're conducting a thorough investigation, examining all aspects of the case. This incident has reignited debates about the ethics of using religious symbols in political protests and the fine line between satire and offense.