India hits back at UN rights office over remarks on Delhi protests, calls concerns ‘misplaced’

India has vehemently rejected the UN Human Rights Office’s (OHCHR) remarks on the recent events in New Delhi, labeling its concerns as "misplaced" and accusing the UN body of unwarranted interference in the country’s internal affairs. The Permanent Mission of India to the UN in Geneva shared a statement on X, asserting that the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed by the Constitution and protected by the nation’s institutions.

The mission highlighted that citizens exercise this right subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, and stressed that the authorities act in accordance with the law. The OHCHR’s concern over mass detentions in Delhi amid protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, coupled with heightened security measures and restrictions, prompted India’s response.

The protests, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and others, are driven by demands for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process. The Delhi Police denied permission for the CJP’s planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar, citing short notice, alleged violations during prior protests, and concerns over public safety, traffic, and law and order.

Legal scrutiny ensued, with the Supreme Court intervening over restrictions affecting public transport. India’s statement maintained that authorities acted lawfully, and judicial remedies were available for those aggrieved. The Permanent Mission of India to the UN emphasized that the OHCHR should extend comparable attention to large-scale protests elsewhere, urging the UN body to act impartially and non-selectively in line with its mandate.