Context: A new global survey by the Future of Free Speech, an independent U.S.-based think tank, has ranked India 24th out of the 33 countries surveyed on the question of support for free speech.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: India’s ranking in global surveys.
Mains: Free Speech in India
Key Findings of the Report
1. Global Rankings:
- Top Performers: Scandinavian nations led the rankings with Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) securing the highest scores.
- Biggest Improvements: Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) showed the most improvement but still ranked lower.
- Democratic nations like the United States, Israel, and Japan experienced some of the biggest drops. Since 2021, more countries have witnessed a decline rather than an improvement in free speech support.
2. India’s Position in the Survey:
- India ranked 24th with a score of 62.6, positioned between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8).
- Public perception: While most Indians value free speech without government censorship, support for criticising government policies is below the global average.
Challenges to Free Speech in India:
- Legal and political restrictions:
- India’s sedition law (Section 124A of the IPC) has been used to suppress political dissent.
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been criticised for targeting journalists, activists, and opposition voices.
- IT Rules 2021 give the government broad powers to regulate social media and digital content, leading to censorship concerns.
- Rise in self-censorship: Fear of legal repercussions and online harassment discourages open expression. Media houses and journalists often face political and economic pressures, leading to biased reporting or avoidance of critical issues.
- Selective tolerance for free speech: While free speech is widely supported in principle, it is often opposed when it contradicts political beliefs or religious sentiments. E.g., Arrests of activists, journalists, stand-up comedians highlight inconsistent application of free speech rights.
Way Forward
- Amending outdated laws like sedition laws and UAPA provisions that suppress dissent.
- Strengthening judicial oversight to prevent misuse of laws against activists and journalists.
- Educational institutions and media should encourage free discussion on diverse perspectives.
- Political parties should commit to respecting free speech rights across ideological lines.
- Strengthening laws that protect journalists from government pressure and corporate influence. Ensuring that social media regulations do not lead to arbitrary censorship.
- Encouraging fact-based discussions on government policies and political discourse.