UN rights office voices concern over Delhi detentions; India pushes back
New Delhi accuses rights office of unwarranted interference.
India has dismissed concerns raised by the UN Human Rights Office over mass detentions during protests in New Delhi, describing the remarks as "misplaced" and accusing the body of interfering in the country's internal affairs.
In a statement posted on X by India's Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva yesterday (10 October), the government said the right to peaceful assembly was guaranteed by the Constitution and protected by the country's institutions, independent judiciary and free media.
"We have seen the OHCHR's remarks about today's events in New Delhi," the mission said, adding that citizens could exercise their right to peaceful assembly subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order.
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"The authorities, for their part, act in accordance with the law, and our courts remain available to all for redressal of any grievances," it said.
India also urged the UN Human Rights Office to pay comparable attention to large-scale protests in other parts of the world, arguing that the body should uphold the principles of impartiality and non-selectivity in carrying out its mandate.
The response followed the UN office's expression of concern over mass detentions in Delhi amid demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protests have prompted heightened security measures and restrictions in parts of the national capital.
The demonstrations, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other opposition groups, centre on demands for Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Delhi Police denied permission for the CJP's planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar on 10 October, citing short notice, alleged violations during previous protests and concerns over public safety, traffic and law and order.
