India rejects UN rights office concerns over Delhi protest detentions

India has rejected concerns from the UN human rights office about mass detentions during a protest in New Delhi.

The protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party and other groups, was against changes to electoral rolls under a process called the Special Intensive Revision.

Protesters have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in that process.

India said its Constitution protects peaceful assembly, subject to reasonable restrictions to maintain public order, and that courts are available to hear complaints.

It also accused the UN office of interfering in India’s internal affairs and urged it to give similar attention to large protests elsewhere.

Police had denied permission for the party’s planned October 10 demonstration, citing short notice and concerns about safety, traffic and public order.

The Supreme Court has intervened over restrictions affecting public transport and called for a balance between the right to protest and keeping essential services running.