Permission Denied for Palm Sunday Procession in Delhi

New Delhi:The Delhi government has denied permission for the Palm Sunday procession at Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi. This cathedral is notable for being a place where the Prime Minister has attended services during major Christian festivals such as Christmas and Easter. The procession was to be held from St. Mary’s Church to the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Authorities cited security concerns as the reason for the denial. Due to the restriction on holding the procession outside, the event has now been confined within the premises of the cathedral. Prayer services are continuing as planned. It is expected that the parish priest will address the media following the services.
The Catholic Association of the Archdiocese of Delhi (CAAD) expressed its “deep shock and anguish” over the police’s decision to deny permission for the Way of the Cross procession, citing concerns related to law and order as well as traffic management.
Denial of Permission a Violation of Constitutional Rights: Pinarayi Vijayan
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condemned the denial of permission by the Delhi Police for the Palm Sunday procession at Sacred Heart Cathedral, calling the move unconstitutional. The procession, which was to take place from St. Mary’s Church to Sacred Heart Cathedral, was blocked on the grounds of security.
The Chief Minister stated that the denial is a violation of religious freedom and the secular values enshrined in the Constitution. He emphasised that actions undermining the religious beliefs of minority communities are unacceptable in a pluralistic society.