The recent detention of farmers from Karnataka en route to Delhi for the 'Delhi Chalo' protest march is a matter of concern. On February 12, 2024, at approximately 3 AM, railway police at Bhopal Railway Station intercepted the Sampark Kranti Express train and detained 70 farmers outside the station premises. This incident, widely reported in the media, underscores a concerning infringement upon the fundamental right to protest and assemble peacefully.

The detention of these farmers raises serious questions regarding the exercise of democratic rights and the proportionality of state response. As recognized under various international instruments and reiterated by Indian jurisprudence, the right to protest is integral to a vibrant democracy and must be safeguarded against arbitrary restrictions. The reported actions by the railway police suggest a potential reprisal against legitimate activism, necessitating urgent intervention to uphold constitutional freedoms. HRDA appeal to NHRC to take suo moto cognizance of this incident and exercise Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019, to initiate an independent inquiry into this incident through the NHRC’s investigation wing, ensuring accountability and justice for the affected individuals.