India has strongly rejected concerns raised by the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) over events in New Delhi, describing the criticism as unwarranted interference in its internal affairs.
In a statement dated October 11, India’s Ministry of External Affairs defended the country’s democratic institutions and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
India said the right to peaceful protest was guaranteed under its Constitution but remained subject to the maintenance of public order and safety.
The ministry maintained that law enforcement authorities act in accordance with the law and that citizens have access to an independent judiciary to address grievances.
India also accused the UN human rights office of applying double standards, alleging that it had failed to comment on violent responses to protests in neighbouring countries and law enforcement actions elsewhere.
The statement said such selective criticism undermined the credibility of international institutions and weakened confidence in multilateralism.
The diplomatic dispute followed large-scale protests in New Delhi on October 10, during which more than 2,000 people were reportedly detained as authorities moved to prevent demonstrations demanding the resignation of India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed concern over reports of mass detentions involving protesters, civil society representatives, lawyers and journalists. It called for respect for peaceful assembly and the release of those arbitrarily detained.
India’s response was also issued through its Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, which described the UN’s concerns as misplaced and urged the organisation to apply its standards impartially. (Newswire)
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