Guwahati:The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has rejected remarks by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the events surrounding protests in New Delhi on October 10, describing the concerns as unwarranted and an unacceptable interference in India’s internal affairs.
In a statement issued on October 11, the MEA defended India’s handling of the protests, stating that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to peaceful assembly, supported by democratic institutions, an independent judiciary and a free media.
The ministry, however, emphasised that the right to assemble peacefully remains subject to the maintenance of public order and safety.
“Our law enforcement authorities act strictly in accordance with the law, and our courts remain available to all for the redressal of any grievances,” the statement said.
The response came after the OHCHR expressed concern over reports of mass detentions involving protesters, civil society members, lawyers and journalists before and during demonstrations in Delhi on October 10. The UN human rights office called for the release of those it described as arbitrarily detained and urged authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly.
The protests were organised amid demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The demonstrations were led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with other groups and activists also participating.
Ahead of the planned demonstration, authorities imposed extensive security measures in parts of the national capital. Reports said protesters were detained, while restrictions and disruptions affected movement and access to some areas.
In its statement, the MEA also questioned what it described as the OHCHR’s selective approach to public statements on protests and law enforcement actions.
The ministry argued that violent responses to protests in neighbouring countries, as well as law enforcement actions in the vicinity of the UN human rights office, had not received comparable attention.
“Such double standards only erode the credibility of its standing and contribute to the loss of faith in multilateralism,” the statement said.
India maintained that its institutions provide avenues for addressing grievances and that law enforcement authorities operate within the legal framework.
The exchange has brought renewed attention to the competing positions on the Delhi protests, with the Indian government defending its approach on grounds of public order and national sovereignty, while the UN human rights office has raised concerns about detentions and the protection of peaceful assembly.