India slams UN rights body for raising concern over mass detentions: ‘Unwarranted interference’

India has dismissed concerns raised by the United Nations Human Rights Office regarding mass detentions of civil society members, lawyers, and journalists during protests in Delhi. India’s mission in Geneva labeled the UN's concerns as "unwarranted interference in internal affairs." The UN's spokesperson urged Indian authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly, emphasizing that any restrictions must meet strict criteria of necessity and proportionality.

Police sources indicated around 1,200 individuals had been detained overnight, with an additional 500 people arrested in the morning. In response, India emphasized its democratic nature, where the right to peaceful assembly is protected by law, and the authorities act in accordance with the constitution and legal framework.