NEW DELHI: A group of United Nations human rights experts has called for an independent investigation into alleged police excesses during recent protests in New Delhi and other parts of India. The experts have urged Indian authorities to protect the right to peaceful assembly and ensure accountability for any human rights violations.
The statement, issued on October 20, raises concerns about reported police baton charges, detentions, restrictions on public gatherings and alleged mistreatment of demonstrators, including students and young activists.
Why are protests taking place?
- The demonstrations have been held by student organisations, opposition groups and youth-led movements over several issues, including education related grievances and the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- Some protesters are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They allege that the voter list revision could remove eligible voters from electoral rolls and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
- The allegations have been disputed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission. The Commission says the revision is intended to identify duplicate, deceased, shifted and otherwise ineligible voters, and that people wrongly excluded can pursue the available appeal process.
What have the UN experts said?
The experts expressed concern over reports that police used force against unarmed demonstrators and prevented people from joining certain protests.
They called on the authorities to:
- Stop the excessive use of force against peaceful protesters.
- Reconsider blanket restrictions on public gatherings.
- Avoid the misuse of digital surveillance, including biometric systems.
- Refrain from unnecessary internet disruptions.
- Investigate alleged police misconduct independently and impartially.
- Ensure justice and appropriate remedies for victims if violations are established.
The experts also raised concerns about reported sexual and gender based abuse during protests and detentions, calling for particular attention to the safety and rights of women protesters.
These concerns are based on reported incidents and allegations; the call for an investigation is intended to establish the facts and accountability.
Concerns over mass detentions
- The experts also referred to reports of thousands of people, including students, journalists, lawyers, political activists and human rights defenders, being detained in connection with demonstrations.
- They raised concerns about allegations that some detainees had their phones seized and protest related material deleted.
- The scale and circumstances of individual detentions require verification through official records and independent investigations. The allegations should not be treated as proven findings against every police officer or authority involved.
India’s position
- Indian authorities have previously maintained that law enforcement agencies acted in accordance with the law. The government has also rejected earlier UN criticism of its handling of protests, describing such interventions as interference in India’s internal affairs.
- The Election Commission and the BJP have denied allegations that the voter list revision is designed to benefit a particular political party or target specific communities.
- The latest report does not establish that the voter list exercise was manipulated or that every police action was unlawful. Those questions require evidence and examination through the appropriate legal and administrative processes.
Why does the issue matter?
- The controversy raises important questions about the balance between public order and citizens constitutional rights.
- Peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are protected under India’s Constitution, subject to lawful and reasonable restrictions. Authorities are responsible for maintaining public order while ensuring that any restrictions and use of force meet applicable legal requirements.
- An independent investigation, if undertaken, could help establish what happened during the protests, whether any violations occurred and what action may be required.
Conclusion
The UN experts statement has brought renewed international attention to the handling of protests in India. Their call for an independent investigation is not itself a judicial finding and the allegations remain subject to verification.
The developments will be watched closely by civil society groups, political organisations and authorities as discussions continue over voter-list revisions, public order and the protection of peaceful protest rights.
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Source: Reuters report dated October 20, 2026, and the statement by UN human rights experts. Allegations and disputed claims are attributed to their respective sources.
