MEA Dismisses UNHRC Concerns Over Delhi Protest Detentions
India's MEA slams UNHRC's "unwarranted" interference following detentions during the CJP-led protest in Delhi, citing public order and safety.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has hit back at the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR), dismissing its concerns regarding the detention of individuals during recent demonstrations in New Delhi as "unwarranted" and an "unacceptable interference" in India's internal affairs.
The diplomatic friction follows reports of mass detentions involving protesters, civil society members, lawyers, and journalists during a large-scale demonstration led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the national capital.
India Defends Law Enforcement Actions
In a video statement released on X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India, as the world's largest democracy, operates under a robust constitutional framework. He maintained that while the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed, it is subject to the essential maintenance of public order and safety.
"Our law enforcement authorities act strictly in accordance with the law and our courts remain available to all for the redressal of any grievances," Jaiswal stated, asserting that the security measures implemented were necessary to ensure public safety during the CJP-led march.
The spokesperson highlighted that the Indian system is protected by an independent judiciary, a free media, and strong institutions that safeguard democratic rights.
UNHRC Calls for "Unconditional Release"
The controversy began when the UN Human Rights spokesperson, Thameen Al-Kheetan, expressed alarm over the detentions in Delhi. The UN office urged Indian authorities to respect the right to assembly and demanded the "immediate and unconditional" release of those allegedly detained arbitrarily.
The UN statement further called for restraint in handling protesters and insisted that any restrictions placed on demonstrations must meet "strict tests of necessity and proportionality."
MEA Slams UN's "Double Standards"
Responding to the UN's stance, Jaiswal accused the OHCHR of practicing extreme selectivity in its public positions. He pointed out that the human rights body has remained silent on violent crackdowns occurring in India's neighbourhood, as well as law enforcement actions occurring in its own immediate vicinity.
"Such double standards only erode the credibility of its standing and contribute to the loss of faith in multilateralism," Jaiswal remarked, criticizing the perceived bias in how the UN addresses global protests.
Context of the Delhi Protests
The demonstrations in Delhi were organized by the CJP, with protesters attempting to march towards Jantar Mantar. The primary demand of the movement was the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, following allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The heavy police presence and subsequent detentions occurred as protesters sought to voice their grievances regarding the electoral process, leading to the heightened tension between the Indian government and international human rights observers.