India, April 14 -- The Delhi Police on Sunday denied permission for a Palm Sunday procession between the St Mary's Church in Old Delhi and the Sacred Heart Cathedral near Gole Market, leading to sharp reaction from Catholic groups as well as political parties, who termed the decision "unfair" and "shocking".

The "Way of the Cross" procession was expected to be held between 2.30pm and 6.30pm on Sunday. According to the Catholic Association of Archdiocese of Delhi (CAAD) - a registered body of the archdiocese - the procession was to be led by the Delhi archbishop Rev Anil JT Couto, along with 500 devotees and floats.

However, the Delhi Police denied permission for the procession, citing law and order and traffic concerns.

"This processio...