Delhi Police Denies Permission For Palm Sunday Procession, Sparks Outrage

Catholic organizations and political parties have strongly criticized the Delhi Police for refusing permission for a Palm Sunday procession that was planned between the Sacred Heart Cathedral near Gole Market and St. Mary's Church in Old Delhi. About 500 devotees led by Archbishop Rev. Anil JT Couto were anticipated to participate in the procession, which was planned as part of the "Way of the Cross" observance, and was scheduled to take place on Sunday between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Disappointed by the last-minute denial, the Delhi Archdiocese's registered organization, the Catholic Association of Archdiocese of Delhi (CAAD), asserted that the custom goes back at least to 2013. The police claimed that the procession would have affected three police districts and created logistical problems, citing worries about law and order and traffic disruptions.

A Delhi Police spokesperson explained that although the long route was officially prohibited, the faithful were still allowed to celebrate inside their own homes. The spokesperson implied that this decision was in line with previous practice by adding that the procession had not received permission in prior years either.

AC Michael, the president of CAAD, denied that claim, arguing that the procession had been a recurring event since 2013 with the exception of last year, when Section 144 of the IPC imposed restrictions. He criticized the police's justification, saying it is "hard to accept" the explanation, particularly on a Sunday when other groups are frequently given similar permissions, even during the busiest times of the week.

A political aspect has also been added to the problem. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress General Secretary (organization) KC Venugopal questioned whether Delhi's Christians were being denied their Article 25 constitutional right to practice their religion. "Since when did practicing one's faith become a threat?" he inquired
A statement denouncing the police action as an unfair denial of the community's right to a peaceful religious procession was also released by the CPI(M).
Requests for comment on the matter were not answered by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).