'Interference in internal affairs': India rebukes UN body over Delhi crackdown

New Delhi: India dismissed the United Nations' human rights body's objections to the security measures imposed prior to the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed protest in Delhi, describing them as "unwarranted" and a "form of unwelcome interference" in the nation's internal affairs. In a declaration, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that India is the world's largest democracy, where the right to peaceful assembly is protected by the Constitution and upheld by strong institutions, an impartial judiciary, and a free media.

"As in any democracy, Indian citizens exercise this right provided public order and safety are maintained. Our law enforcement agencies act strictly in accordance with the law, and our courts are accessible to all for addressing grievances," the Ministry said.

The Ministry further criticized the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for exhibiting selective public statements. It alleged that the OHCHR had remained silent on violent reactions to protests in neighboring countries and law enforcement actions nearer to its own headquarters. "Such double standards only diminishes the credibility of its standing and contributes to the loss of faith in multilateralism," the statement read.

The response came after the UN's human rights chief voiced concern over reports of mass arrests of demonstrators, protest leaders, civil society members, lawyers, and journalists before and during large-scale demonstrations in Delhi. "We urge the authorities to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is fully respected and fulfilled. Restrictions on peaceful protests must meet stringent criteria of necessity and proportionality," the High Commissioner for Human Rights stated.

The proposed CJP demonstration aimed to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of electoral rolls. The protest was met with a substantial security deployment and crackdown, leading to the arrest of numerous political leaders and demonstrators.