Archive · 29 Jul 2026
India placed on global watchlist for civic freedom decline
India is facing a significant decline in civic freedoms, similar to the Emergency period 50 years ago.
The government has been using laws to restrict civil society organizations and has been harshly suppressing protests.
This has led to India being placed on a global watchlist for civic freedom decline.
Activists and journalists are facing persecution, and the country's ranking in press freedom has dropped significantly.
Young people are now protesting to defend democratic ideals, marking a turning point in India's democracy.
India has been placed on the Civicus Monitor's watchlist for severe declines in civic freedoms.
The government has amended laws like the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act to tighten control over civil society.
Protests led by young people have been met with brutal police action.
Activists like Khurram Parvez, Umar Khalid, and Sharjeel Imam have been imprisoned without trial.
India ranks 157 out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index.
- Who
- The Indian government and civil society organizations
- What
- Decline in civic freedoms and increased restrictions on civil society
- When
- Ongoing since 2014, with recent escalations
- Where
- India
- Why
- Government actions to control civil society and suppress dissent
Government Perspective
Civil Society Perspective
Use of Laws to Control Civil Society
Government Perspective
The government argues that amendments to laws like the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act are necessary to maintain national security and prevent foreign influence.
Civil Society Perspective
Civil society organizations view these amendments as a means to suppress dissent and restrict their ability to operate independently.
Handling of Protests
Government Perspective
The government maintains that police actions are necessary to maintain law and order and prevent violence during protests.
Civil Society Perspective
Protesters and human rights defenders argue that the use of brutal police action is a violation of their rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.
- Date of Emergency
- 1975
- Current Prime Minister
- Narendra Modi
- Civicus Monitor Rating
- Repressed
- Reporters Without Borders Rank
- 157 out of 180
- Key Activists Imprisoned
- Khurram Parvez, Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam
- Controversial Law
- Foreign Contributions Regulation Act