India Hits Back At UN Rights Office Over Delhi Protests, Calls Concerns ‘Misplaced’

India has rejected the United Nations Human Rights Office’s (OHCHR) remarks on events in New Delhi, describing its concerns as “misplaced” and accusing the UN body of unwarranted interference in the country’s internal affairs.

In a statement posted on X by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in Geneva, India 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.

“The authorities, for their part, act in accordance with the law, and our courts remain available to all for redressal of any grievances,” the statement added.

India also urged the OHCHR to give comparable attention to large-scale protests in other parts of the world, saying the UN body should uphold the principles of impartiality and non-selectivity in carrying out its mandate.

UN Raises Concerns Over Delhi Detentions

India’s response followed concerns expressed by the United Nations over mass detentions in Delhi during protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstrations were accompanied by heightened security measures and restrictions across parts of the national capital.

The protests, called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other groups, centred on allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for Kumar’s resignation.

Delhi Police denied permission for the CJP’s proposed October 10 demonstration at Jantar Mantar, citing the short notice, alleged violations during previous protests and concerns over public safety, traffic management and law and order.

The restrictions also drew legal scrutiny, with the Supreme Court intervening over curbs affecting public transport and stressing the need to balance the right to protest with the uninterrupted operation of essential services.

Responding to the UN human rights office, India maintained that authorities had acted in accordance with the law and that those who believed their rights had been violated could seek relief through the country’s judicial system.