New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): India has strongly objected to remarks made by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) regarding events in New Delhi, describing its concerns as unwarranted and an interference in the country’s internal affairs.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended India’s democratic framework, stressing that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to peaceful assembly. It said the right is protected by strong institutions, an independent judiciary and a free media.
The ministry noted that, as in other democracies, the exercise of the right to protest in India is subject to requirements concerning public order and public safety. It also maintained that law enforcement agencies operate in accordance with the law and that citizens can approach the courts to seek redress for their grievances.
MEA Accuses OHCHR of Double Standards
Taking further aim at the UN human rights body, the MEA accused the OHCHR of being selective in its public statements on protests and law enforcement actions.
The ministry pointed to what it described as a lack of comment on violent responses to demonstrations in neighbouring countries, as well as on law enforcement actions in the OHCHR’s own vicinity.
According to the MEA, such selective responses undermine the credibility of the organisation and weaken public confidence in multilateral institutions.
The statement reiterated India’s position that concerns raised by the OHCHR over the events in New Delhi were unjustified and crossed the boundaries of legitimate engagement in the country’s domestic affairs.
The remarks reflect a firm diplomatic response from New Delhi to international scrutiny of the developments in the capital. The MEA’s statement did not provide further details about the specific incidents referenced by the OHCHR.
