Delhi: India on Sunday dismissed the United Nations Human Rights Office’s concerns over the detention of protesters during the Cockroach Janata Party’s demonstration in Delhi, calling the criticism unwarranted and an interference in its internal affairs.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected the UN Human Rights Office’s concerns over the recent events in New Delhi, calling them “unwarranted” and an “unacceptable interference” in India’s internal affairs. He defended India’s right to peaceful assembly, citing constitutional safeguards and democratic institutions, while accusing the OHCHR of applying double standards.
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Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indian authorities had acted strictly according to the law.
In a video statement posted on X, he said the Indian Constitution guarantees peaceful assembly, supported by strong institutions, an independent judiciary and a free media.
Jaiswal added that the right to protest, as in other democracies, remains subject to public order and safety. He also said Indian courts are accessible to citizens seeking justice and addressing their grievances.
Responding to the UN office’s remarks, Jaiswal accused it of applying double standards and selectively commenting on incidents. He alleged that violent responses to protests in neighbouring countries and law enforcement actions near the UN office’s own location had not received similar attention.
He said such selective positions weaken the organisation’s credibility and reduce public confidence in multilateralism.
India’s response came after the UN Human Rights Office raised concerns over reports of mass detentions in Delhi before and during the CJP-led demonstrations. Those reportedly detained included protesters, protest organisers, civil society members, lawyers and journalists. The UN office had also urged the release of individuals it considered arbitrarily detained.
