Internet/Hyderabad, Oct 11 (Maxim News): India has rejected the United Nations Human Rights Office’s concerns over the detention of protesters during demonstrations in New Delhi. It described the remarks as “unwarranted interference” in the country’s internal affairs.
India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva responded through a post on X. It said the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, subject to lawful restrictions.
The mission also cited constitutional safeguards, an independent judiciary and a free media. It questioned the UN office’s impartiality and urged it to pay comparable attention to large-scale protests elsewhere.
India and UN Differ Over Delhi Protest Detentions
The response followed a statement by the UN Human Rights Office on October 10. The office expressed concern over reports of detentions involving protesters, civil society members, lawyers and journalists in Delhi.
UN human rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan urged Indian authorities to respect peaceful assembly. He also called for the immediate and unconditional release of people allegedly detained arbitrarily.
The office said restrictions on peaceful protests should be necessary and proportionate. It also urged authorities to exercise restraint and engage meaningfully with demonstrators.
The protests were organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstrators raised allegations concerning electoral roll revisions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The Election Commission has faced criticism over the exercise, while allegations of deliberate voter manipulation remain disputed.
Delhi Police detained protesters during demonstrations on Saturday. Several CJP leaders were also detained before the planned protest and later released under conditions requiring them to maintain public peace.
India maintained that its constitutional and institutional safeguards provide mechanisms to address complaints. The exchange has highlighted differences between India and the UN human rights office over the handling of the Delhi protests.
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