India’s democratic standing challenged: Report highlights concerns

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.

Read more: https://www.samaa.tv/2087313319-india-s-democratic-standing-challenged-report-highlights-concerns