India has rejected concerns raised by the United Nations Human Rights Office over events in New Delhi, describing them as “misplaced” and an unwarranted interference in the country’s internal affairs.
In a statement issued by its Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, India said the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed by the Constitution and protected by robust institutions, an independent judiciary and a free media. Citizens exercise this right subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order.
The statement noted that authorities act in accordance with the law and that courts remain available to anyone seeking redress of grievances. It also urged the UN body to give comparable attention to large-scale protests in other parts of the world, arguing that it should adhere to its mandate of impartiality and non-selectivity.
The response followed reports of mass detentions during protests in the national capital linked to demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstrations, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party and other groups, centred on alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Delhi Police had denied permission for a proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar on October 10, citing short notice, alleged violations during earlier protests, and concerns related to public safety, traffic and law and order. The restrictions led to heightened security measures in parts of the city and prompted judicial scrutiny, including Supreme Court intervention seeking a balance between the right to protest and the need to prevent disruption to essential services.
India maintained that all actions by authorities were lawful and that judicial remedies continued to be available.
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