THE CONTEXT: India has been facing criticism and declining rankings on various global democracy indices recently. The Indian government has responded by dismissing these rankings and even considering creating its democracy index.
ISSUES:
- India’s democratic decline: According to the V-Dem Institute’s Democracy Report 2024, India is “one of the worst autocrats” and has been downgraded to an “electoral autocracy” since 2018. This indicates a significant deterioration of democratic freedoms in the country.
- The weaponization of central agencies: The selective and politically-motivated use of central agencies like the CBI, ED, and Income Tax department to target opposition leaders undermines the independence of these institutions.
- Bias in the criminal justice system: There are concerns about the diminution of the criminal justice system, with the perception that corrupt politicians who join the ruling BJP party escape prosecution.
- Undermining of the judiciary: There are allegations that the ruling government has undermined the Supreme Court by overturning its judgments through fresh ordinances or legislation.
- Rising income inequality: The study by the World Inequality Lab found India’s income inequality is now among the highest in the world, even more potent than under British colonial rule. This inequality is seen as a manifestation of undemocratic governance.
- Crackdown on dissent and civil liberties: There are serious concerns about the erosion of rights and civil liberties, including attacks on Muslims, the use of sedition laws against critics and dissenters, and the government’s heavy-handed response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Defensive and dismissive responses to international assessments: The Indian government’s tendency to either lap up praise or dismiss criticism from international organizations and think tanks as biased rather than engaging substantively with the concerns raised.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Strengthening democratic institutions: The independence and integrity of institutions like the judiciary, investigative agencies, and election commission must be safeguarded. Measures to curb the politicization and misuse of these bodies are crucial.
- Protecting civil liberties and minority rights: The government must protect fundamental rights like freedom of expression, assembly, and religion. Crackdowns on dissent and attacks on minority communities undermine democratic principles.
- Ensuring fair and transparent elections: The electoral process must be free, fair, and inclusive, with robust mechanisms to prevent misuse of state machinery and resources. Reforms to campaign finance and media regulations could help level the playing field.
- Promoting accountability and transparency: Strong anti-corruption measures, protection for whistleblowers, and independent oversight of government actions are needed to curb the misuse of power. Opacity in political funding and the selective targeting of opposition figures erodes public trust.
- Fostering a pluralistic public discourse: The government should encourage a diversity of views and perspectives in the media and public sphere rather than stifling critical voices. Safeguarding press freedom and the space for civil society is essential for a healthy democracy.
- Engaging with international institutions: While maintaining national sovereignty, the government should constructively engage with global democratic watchdogs and address their concerns rather than dismissing them outright. Openness to external scrutiny can strengthen domestic accountability.
THE CONCLUSION:
India has lost the perception battle of its democracy despite the government’s efforts to project itself as the “mother of democracy.” It emphasizes that true democracy requires preventing those in power from permanently appropriating it for their ends and that a democrat must never try to subvert democratic processes
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss. 2016
Q.2 The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting a probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with specific reference to the federal character of India. 2021
Q.3 While the national political parties in India favor centralization, the regional parties favor State autonomy. Comment. 2022
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Critically analyze the state of Indian democracy based on the country’s performance on global democracy indices in recent years. What are the key challenges highlighted, and what reforms may be needed to strengthen democratic institutions and norms?
SOURCE:
https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/democracy-interrupted-2981382
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