Easter prison Mass prevented, rights commission issues notice

Union of Catholic Asia News (UCAN) is reports (via catholic.org) that the human rights commission of Kerala state (India) is investigating why Catholic priests were prevented from celebrating Easter Mass at Thiruvananthapuram jail:

Father Mathew Kulathinal, who went to the prison with two other priests to
conduct the Mass on April 8, said jail officials refused to let them inside,
objecting that the Mass wine the Catholic team carried was liquor.

The priest said he explained to the security guards at the main gate
that he had come to conduct Mass, 'but they told me that I could not enter the
prison with Mass wine and hosts.'

Father Kulathinal said he quickly informed his superior, Father Jacob
Korackel, who contacted state Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan to explain the
gravity of the situation. The minister assured the priest he would direct the
prison officials to allow Mass inside the prison, but the jail officials stuck
to their position.

Balakrishnan told UCA News he has ordered an inquiry into the matter. Those
responsible will be punished, he added.

Hat tip to Religion Clause.