Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (SR’s report on ‘Impact of the 2023–2025 “super election” cycle on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association’) at the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council (16 June – 9 July 2025), delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 18 June 2025 Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to free..
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Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (SR’s report on ‘Impact of the 2023–2025 “super election” cycle on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association’) at the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council (16 June – 9 July 2025), delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 18 June 2025

Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (SR’s report on ‘Impact of the 2023–2025 “super election” cycle on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association’) at the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council (16 June – 9 July 2025), delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 18 June 2025

Mr. Vice President,

1.⁠ ⁠We note the observations of the Special Rapporteur in her report.

2.⁠ ⁠India’s Constitution guarantees the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association as fundamental rights. These are actively upheld through our independent judiciary and a robust electoral framework. The Election Commission of India ensures free and fair elections through transparent and inclusive mechanisms. The 2024 General Elections, the largest democratic exercise in human history, with about 970 million eligible voters, stand as a glowing testament to India’s commitment to democratic values and human rights.

  1. It was therefore surprising to find a reference in the report that, in the form of an ill-informed general comment, seemed to cast unwarranted aspersions on a process that is widely regarded as a global benchmark for democratic values. It also overlooked the vital role of our independent judiciary and robust institutional mechanisms that safeguard these principles. We firmly reject such unfounded insinuations and urge that future assessments be guided by thorough due diligence, in order to uphold the credibility and integrity of this important exercise.

4.⁠ ⁠We agree that digital technologies can amplify civic engagement but also pose serious risks when misused to spread disinformation, incite violence, or interfere in democratic processes. We encourage the Special Rapporteur to examine these threats with nuance and objectivity.

5.⁠ ⁠India remains committed to safeguarding civic space and enabling democratic participation, both offline and online, in line with our constitutional values.

I thank you.