The Catholic Association of the Archdiocese of Delhi (CAAD) has voiced strong condemnation over the recent decision by the Delhi Police to refuse permission for the Annual Way of the Cross procession. This denial has deeply upset and saddened the Catholic community of the Archdiocese, which sees the event as an integral part of their Holy Week observances. For many years, this solemn procession has taken place on Palm Sunday, the Sunday preceding Easter, without incident and with full approval from local authorities.
The religious march, considered sacred by lakhs of believers, has historically begun at St. Mary’s Church in Old Delhi and ended at the Sacred Heart Cathedral located at Gole Dak Khana. The faithful walk this route in prayer, solemnly observing the 14 Stations of the Cross, reenacting the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This spiritual journey, held in reverence, has long served as a peaceful public expression of devotion and belief.
The Catholic Association has made it clear that the community feels both wounded and let down by the police’s decision to block the 2025 procession, which was to be held on April 13. The stated justification for the denial—concerns about maintaining law and order and managing traffic on a Sunday—has failed to convince the Church. Members of the Christian community now feel compelled to question whether their constitutionally guaranteed religious freedoms are being equally respected when compared to other groups.
“The reason cited—law and order and traffic concerns on a Sunday—is difficult to accept, especially when other communities and political groups are routinely granted permissions for processions and rallies, even during peak hours on working days,” said the Catholic Association. This inconsistency in granting permission has prompted believers to feel that their rights as citizens are not being upheld in a fair or impartial manner.
For over ten years, the Annual Way of the Cross procession has been organized with complete cooperation from authorities. The Catholic community emphasizes that the event has always been conducted peacefully and with respect to public norms. In all these years, there has never been a report of disruption—be it traffic congestion or a breach of law and order—attributed to this religious observance. It is against this backdrop of discipline and harmony that this year’s denial appears particularly unjust.
CAAD believes that the police’s decision not only sets a troubling precedent but also casts doubt on the broader principle of equality before the law. They feel it undermines the foundation of religious freedom in India, a right enshrined in the Constitution and essential to the country’s pluralistic character. “The denial of permission this year feels biased and unfair, casting a shadow on the principles of equal treatment and religious freedom,” the association noted in its statement.
Christians residing in the capital—and indeed, throughout India—are known for being a peaceful, law-abiding segment of the population. They have, historically, not been associated with any form of public disorder. The community urges authorities to act wisely and ensure that justice and equality continue to be the cornerstones of democratic functioning. Any perception of partiality, CAAD warns, can erode trust and foster a sense of alienation among minorities who see themselves as active and positive contributors to the nation.
“We appeal to the authorities to act judiciously and ensure that justice and equality are upheld,” the statement continued. “We urge that such actions do not create a sense of exclusion or doubt in the minds of minorities who contribute positively and peacefully to the nation’s fabric.”
In expressing their disapproval, CAAD also reiterated its role as a constructive and responsible stakeholder in India’s civil society. The Catholic Association is a registered organization that represents the interests of the Catholic faithful in the National Capital Territory. Over the years, it has consistently engaged with government institutions, the public, and various community groups in efforts to nurture mutual understanding and societal harmony.
The association clarified that it is not merely seeking permission for a religious event but is also advocating for the broader values of fairness, inclusiveness, and respect. By highlighting the seeming inconsistency in the treatment of different religious and social groups, CAAD hopes to bring attention to a larger issue—whether minority communities are being accorded equal consideration when it comes to their religious and cultural expressions in public spaces.
In this regard, CAAD reaffirmed its dedication to fostering dialogue and cooperation between religious institutions and civil authorities. It aims to act as a bridge between spiritual commitment and civic responsibility. “The Catholic Association of the Archdiocese of Delhi (CAAD), a registered body representing the Catholic faithful in Delhi, reaffirms its commitment to fostering harmony, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue between the Church, civil society, and government institutions,” the statement read.
CAAD emphasized that it operates with a deep belief in the universal values of peace and inclusivity. These values, the association noted, are not only foundational to the Christian faith but also to the broader Indian ethos of diversity and coexistence. The organization maintains that religious processions like the Way of the Cross are not merely ceremonial acts but are emblematic of deeper principles of community, faith, and shared humanity.
“CAAD believes in the shared values of peace, inclusivity, and service to the community, and we strive to be a bridge between faith and civic responsibility,” the group declared. The organization also highlighted its ongoing commitment to working with all stakeholders—whether governmental, non-governmental, or community-based—to promote mutual understanding, uphold human dignity, and support the moral and social development of society at large.
The statement closed with a call for reason and empathy. CAAD encouraged the authorities to reconsider the decision in the interest of fairness and in alignment with the pluralistic values enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It reiterated that religious events conducted peacefully and with due diligence deserve recognition and support from civic authorities, regardless of the size or influence of the community organizing them.
Ultimately, the Catholic community in Delhi hopes for a future in which all religious groups are treated with the same respect and consideration by the state, ensuring that India continues to be a land where diverse faiths coexist peacefully and equally under the rule of law.