India criticizes UN over protest detention concerns

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has responded to concerns raised by the United Nations human rights office about mass detentions during protests in New Delhi. The MEA accused the UN body of applying different standards to different countries and interfering in India's internal affairs.

The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, defended India's record on peaceful assembly, stating that the right was guaranteed by the Constitution and protected by the country's democratic institutions. He described the UN's concerns as 'unwarranted.'

In a video posted on X, Jaiswal emphasized that India is the world's largest democracy, where the right to peaceful assembly is safeguarded by independent institutions, a free media, and a strong judiciary. He added that the right to protest must be exercised while maintaining public order and ensuring public safety.

Jaiswal also defended the conduct of Indian law enforcement agencies, stating they operated within the framework of the law. He noted that citizens could approach courts if they believed their rights had been violated.

India further questioned the consistency of the UN human, rights office's public statements on protests and law enforcement. Jaiswal alleged that violent responses to demonstrations in neighboring countries had not attracted similar criticism, and that the UN had been selective in raising concerns.

The UN human rights office expressed concern over reports of mass detentions involving protesters and civil society members, including lawyers and journalists, during demonstrations in Delhi. It called on Indian authorities to ensure the right to peaceful assembly was fully respected and urged strict adherence to necessity and proportionality in any restrictions.