India rejects UN rights office concerns over Delhi protest detentions
India’s Geneva mission rejects UN concerns over Delhi protest detentions, while the rights office urges restraint, peaceful assembly and dialogue.
Geneva mission answers UN criticism
India has challenged the UN human rights office’s comments on detentions surrounding the October 10 demonstrations in Delhi. NDTV reported that the Indian mission in Geneva rejected the concerns as misplaced and characterised them as interference in domestic affairs. The response was posted on the mission’s account on X.
The mission’s position was that peaceful assembly has constitutional protection, while public-order considerations allow reasonable restrictions. It also pointed to India’s institutions, judiciary and media as safeguards for that freedom. These were the government’s arguments in response to the UN criticism, rather than conclusions from a new court ruling.
"Unwarranted Interference": India Slams UN's Remarks On Delhi DetentionsRights office calls for release and dialogue
Mint reported that the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had raised concerns about reported detentions affecting demonstrators and protest leaders, as well as lawyers, journalists and civil society members. The office urged Indian authorities to protect the ability to assemble peacefully.
Its appeal included the immediate, unconditional release of anyone arbitrarily detained and dialogue over the concerns raised by protesters. The demonstrations were connected to demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation amid concerns about the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, according to Mint’s account.
India hits back at UN Human Rights office over remarks on Delhi protest detentions, calls concerns ‘misplaced’Public order and restraint at the centre of the exchange
NDTV identified the UN spokesperson as Thameen Al-Kheetan and reported his appeal for restraint by law enforcement. The UN office also said limits on peaceful protests should satisfy necessity and proportionality requirements. India, in turn, maintained that authorities acted within the law and that citizens could seek remedies through the courts.
The diplomatic exchange sets out competing positions on the handling of the demonstrations: the UN office’s concern about reported detentions and India’s defence of its institutions and public-order measures.
"Unwarranted Interference": India Slams UN's Remarks On Delhi Detentions