Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention at the 54th Session of the Human Rights Council, (11 September - 13 October 2023) delivered by Dr. P.R. Thulasidass, Under Secretary, Geneva,18 September 2023
Mr. President,
We have taken note of the report of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
- India remains firmly committed to promote and protect human rights of its people. As a functional and vibrant democracy, based on the principles of rule of law and equality before law, India has instituted robust mechanisms to deal with violations of human rights, including our proactive and independent judiciary and our ‘category A’ National Human Rights Commission, compliant with the Paris Principles, and other National Commission dedicated to welfare of women, minorities, children and other vulnerable segments of our society.
- Our Constitution grants individuals the right to move the Supreme Court to seek redressal if they believe that their fundamental rights have been violated. Our Constitution also guarantees right to life and personal liberty as well as safeguards against arbitrary arrest and detention ensuring right to legal consul, right to be informed about the ground of arrests, right to be produced before a Magistrate and no detention beyond 24 hours except by orders of a Magistrate.
- India, as a responsible member of the Human Rights Council, will continue to cooperate with the Working Group and provide it with the necessary information as available and appropriate.
I thank you, Mr. President.
