On October 23, 2025, thousands of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers), members of the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA), staged a massive rally in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, after 255 days of continuous peaceful protest seeking a fair minimum wage (₹21,000 per month), retirement benefits, and formal recognition as government employees. The health workers began their march from PMG Junction towards the Chief Minister’s residence to press for negotiations, having exhausted avenues for dialogue with the Health Ministry. As the crowd neared Cliff House, police erected multiple barricades and resorted to heavy use of water cannons to disperse demonstrators. Despite their predominantly non-violent conduct, several protestors, including leading union organizers like KAHWA General Secretary M. A. Bindu and Vice-President S. Mini, were forcibly detained, and at least twelve leaders were temporarily incarcerated. Media reports documented excessive use of force, with footage of drenched, disoriented, and injured ASHA workers broadcast widely—prompting strong condemnation from labor rights organizations, opposition politicians, and public health advocates. The protest underscored the precarious conditions and lack of institutional support for frontline health workers, especially women, during public health emergencies.

HRDA calls on the NHRC to take suo moto cognizance under Section 12(a), conduct a full independent investigation into the police action, secure the release and protection of detained ASHA leaders, and ensure redress for affected workers, including recognition and respect for their right to collective bargaining and peaceful protest.