In a report by the Sweden-based Varieties of Democracy Institute, India's democratic credentials face scrutiny on the global stage. The report categorizes countries into stages ranging from liberal democracy to closed autocracy, revealing troubling findings for India.
Despite being home to 18% of the world's population, India finds itself at the bottom in terms of freedom of expression and fair electoral practices, as per the report's assessment.
Critics highlight the govt's utilization of sedition, defamation, and anti-terrorism laws to suppress dissenting voices. Particularly concerning is the 2019 amendment to the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, granting the central govt authority to label individuals as "terrorists," which has been viewed as a departure from the country's secular principles.
The report sheds light on the govt's actions against the media, with a notable increase in censorship efforts. Journalists critical of the govt have faced harassment and attacks, contributing to a concerning erosion of media freedom.
Moreover, religious freedom and dissent in educational institutions have been targets of govt suppression, sparking concerns about civil liberties. The report highlights a broader trend of intimidating political opponents and silencing protestors.
India's position in the Liberal Democracy Index for 2023, where it ranks 104 out of 179 countries, further underscores these challenges, signaling a need for reflection and action to uphold democratic values.
