India Rebukes UN Human Rights Body Over Delhi Protest Crackdown

India on Sunday rejected concerns raised by the United Nations human rights body over security measures and reported detentions ahead of the proposed CJP demonstration in Delhi, calling its remarks “unwarranted” and an “unacceptable interference” in the country’s internal affairs.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India’s Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, backed by independent institutions, the judiciary and a free media.

It added that the exercise of this right, as in other democracies, is subject to public order and safety, and that law enforcement authorities act in accordance with the law.

The ministry also accused the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of applying double standards in its public commentary, alleging that it had remained silent on crackdowns on demonstrations in neighbouring countries and policing operations near its own base.

“Such double standards only erode the credibility of its standing and contribute to the loss of faith in multilateralism,” the MEA said.

UN CHIEF RAISES CONCERNS OVER DETENTIONS

India’s response came a day after the UN human rights chief expressed concern over reports of mass detentions involving protesters, organisers, civil society representatives, lawyers and media personnel before and during large-scale rallies in Delhi.

The high commissioner urged Indian authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly, saying restrictions on peaceful protests must meet strict tests of necessity and proportionality.

The proposed demonstration called for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The mobilisation prompted a major security deployment in the national capital, with several political figures and demonstrators reportedly detained.

With inputs from ANI