India on Sunday rejected remarks by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) about October 10 events in New Delhi, describing its concerns as “unwarranted” and an “unacceptable interference” in the country’s internal affairs.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “We have seen certain remarks by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights about yesterday’s events in New Delhi. India is the world’s largest democracy, where the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed by our Constitution and safeguarded by robust institutions, an independent judiciary and a free media.”
The Ministry said Indian citizens exercised this right subject to the maintenance of public order and safety, as in every democracy.
“Our law enforcement authorities act strictly in accordance with the law, and our courts remain available to all for the redressal of any grievances. The OHCHR’s concerns are therefore unwarranted and constitute an unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of India,” it said.
The MEA also noted that the OHCHR has an approach of extreme selectivity when it comes to public positions.
“Violent responses to protests in our neighbourhood have gone uncommented, as indeed have law enforcement actions in its own vicinity. Such double standards only erode the credibility of its standing and contribute to the loss of faith in multilateralism,” the Ministry said.
