What a denied procession says about power, faith, and priorities in Delhi

The government’s denial of the Palm Sunday procession was not just about logistics; it was about deeper tensions around public religious expression.
Each year on Palm Sunday, the Sunday preceding Easter, Delhi’s Christian community participates in the Way of the Cross procession commemorating Jesus Christ’s suffering and crucifixion. The Delhi Police’s refusal to grant permission for this year’s procession has triggered widespread criticism from political leaders and civil society members, who condemn it as an unwarranted restriction on constitutional religious expression rights.
The Catholic Association of the Archdiocese of Delhi (CAAD), the procession’s principal organiser, applied for police permission on March 12. But was informed only on April 12, just a day before the event, that it would not be allowed. In an official statement, CAAD expressed deep dismay. It noted that the decision left the Christian community “deeply hurt and disappointed,” particularly given the last-minute notification. The religiously significant Holy Week procession typically begins at St. Mary’s Church, one of the city’s oldest, and concludes at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Archbishop of Delhi’s seat.
CAAD President A.C. Michael told Frontline that the denial appeared part of a broader pattern marginalising minority communities. “This particular procession started in 2013. Last year, we were denied permission because section 144 was in place, and then-CM Arvind Kejriwal was in jail. That was a valid reason, but this time, they’re just denying permission, citing traffic disruption. We had a strong rapport with the AAP government. Both Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi would always attend Church on Christmas.”
Although Delhi Police officially cited law and order concerns, they informally pointed to an IPL match at Arun Jaitley Stadium on the same day, suggesting the procession would interfere with match-day traffic. “It is very sad that they are comparing a religious procession to a sport,” Michael added.
According to media reports, police denied permission calling it a “non-traditional procession” with potential security concerns. However, another Palm Sunday procession led by the Christian Youth League proceeded without restrictions. “The Delhi Police seems to have a problem sanctioning permissions for non-traditional processions. But the same authority has given permission to one Christian community and denied it to another,” Michael noted, questioning this inconsistency.
The denial drew sharp criticism from Christian community members, civil society organisations, interfaith groups, and political leaders, who called it religious discrimination and a breach of constitutional rights to religious freedom and assembly. The All India Catholic Union condemned the decision in a press statement, saying it sets a “bad precedent and vitiates the secular environment in the country”.
Elias Vas, All India Catholic Union (AICU) president, linked this incident to broader divisive politics where minority communities bear the brunt. The AICU is a democratic federation of Catholic associations nationwide that represents the community in social, religious, political, and economic spheres.
“It’s deeply disheartening to witness a solemn occasion meant to convey love, sacrifice, and compassion being disrupted, regardless of the justifications. Christianity’s essence is service to people, which Christians have been doing across India, particularly in healthcare and education,” Vas told Frontline. “In recent years, Christians have been wrongfully targeted for ‘conversions.’ We’ve investigated these accusations, and there’s no basis for any of them.”
Michael echoed these concerns: “The Sangh Parivar, RSS, and its sister organisations have a problem with minorities. They accuse us of ‘converting’ people, but no court in India has found anyone guilty of forceful conversion. Daily, about two incidents occur against Christians nationwide, increasing dramatically since 2014 from around 100 cases yearly to nearly 800 now. The highest numbers occur in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Chhattisgarh.”
Leaders across party lines demanded accountability from the Delhi Police. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly condemned the decision as a violation of constitutional rights, stressing that such actions undermine fundamental freedoms of expression and religious practice, calling them detrimental to a pluralistic society.
Congress Party senior leader K.C. Venugopal wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, criticising the decision as a “deliberate act of oppression” and questioning the government’s commitment to religious freedom. The Delhi Police falls under Home Ministry jurisdiction.
Vas highlighted how divisive politics erode social harmony and amplify tensions against minorities: “This divisive majoritarianism creates issues in many States. People are afraid, leading to protectionist ideology.” He criticised the “my language, my State” approach as harmful to the country. “What the right wing doesn’t understand is that the fire they’re lighting isn’t restricted to minorities—it will hurt the nation.”
Despite these challenges, Vas remains hopeful about India’s resilience: “I strongly believe in the nation of India. Our country has endured for thousands of years and will continue thriving despite a few missteps. Only a small portion of Indians are responsible for sowing distrust and perpetuating harassment against minorities.”
Vedaant Lakhera
Courtesy: Frontline The Hindu