Kerala Politicians Protest Denial Of Palm Sunday Procession In Delhi
A political storm has erupted in Kerala over the Delhi Police’s decision to deny permission for the annual Palm Sunday procession traditionally held between St. Mary’s Church in Old Delhi and the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Leaders across the political spectrum in Kerala have strongly condemned the move, calling it a direct violation of religious freedom enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his disapproval, calling the Delhi Police’s decision “condemnable” and “an affront to secular values.” He said, “Denying permission for the Palm Sunday procession at the Sacred Heart Church violates the religious freedoms guaranteed to every citizen. Such actions are unbecoming of a pluralistic society and deeply hurt the sentiments of religious minorities.”
Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan also lashed out at the central government, calling the decision anti-democratic and a symptom of rising religious intolerance. He said the denial was part of a broader trend of suppressing minority rights. “While the BJP leaders distribute Easter cakes in Kerala, their true face is revealed in the capital, where Christian rituals are being curtailed under the guise of law and order,” he remarked.
The Catholic Association of the Archdiocese of Delhi (CAAD) expressed “deep shock and anguish” at the police’s refusal to allow the procession. The association said the event, held peacefully every year for over a decade, is of immense spiritual importance and has never caused any disruption to law and order. The reason cited—traffic concerns on a Sunday—was termed unjustifiable.
A statement issued by the Archbishop’s office later confirmed that the procession had been cancelled and that the Way of the Cross enactment would instead take place inside the Sacred Heart Cathedral campus at 2.30 p.m. on Palm Sunday. The Archbishop’s office extended an open invitation to the faithful to attend.
The Calcutta-based Catholic community expressed concern over what they saw as increasing efforts to marginalise minorities. They stated that the denial of permission for a peaceful procession on a non-working day was discriminatory and suggested differential treatment of religious groups.
CAAD President A.C. Michael said the decision would create a sense of exclusion and unease among Christian communities. “We’ve never had any history of disturbance. This denial of permission feels like an intentional targeting, which undermines our rights and contributions to the nation,” he added.
Christian leaders also referred to past attacks on churches and clergy across India, citing the denial as another example of what they claim is a growing pattern of hostility. “It’s not just about one procession—it’s about whether we’re all equal citizens,” one leader remarked.
The Palm Sunday procession, which traditionally marks the beginning of Holy Week for Christians, is a peaceful walk commemorating Jesus Christ’s final journey.
