A group of independent United Nations human rights experts has called on the Indian government to halt the use of what they described as “excessive force” against protesters and to conduct an impartial investigation into the handling of recent demonstrations across the country. In a statement, the experts expressed concern over reports that protesters suffered injuries during police action, with some alleging ill-treatment while in custody. They also voiced serious concern over allegations of sexual violence and gender-based abuse linked to the protests and subsequent detentions, urging authorities to ensure accountability and protect the rights of peaceful demonstrators.
The protests were led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) along with opposition parties and student organisations, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following allegations that nearly 130 million names were removed from voter lists. Protest organisers claimed the deletions disproportionately affected poor communities, homeless citizens and minority groups, including Muslims. The Election Commission of India rejected the allegations, stating that the exercise was aimed at removing duplicate, deceased, shifted and otherwise ineligible voters, while maintaining that anyone wrongly excluded could seek correction through the official appeals process.
The UN experts stated that despite the largely peaceful nature of the demonstrations, law enforcement agencies reportedly used force, including lathi charges, prevented thousands of people from joining protests, and imposed restrictions on public gatherings. They also urged authorities to avoid the misuse of digital surveillance, biometric monitoring and internet shutdowns during such events. The Indian government has consistently rejected similar criticism from international organisations, maintaining that such remarks amount to interference in the country’s internal affairs. The developments have drawn international attention as debates continue over protest rights, law enforcement practices and electoral transparency in India.
