India has always been known as the biggest democracy in the world. With so many people from different backgrounds voting in huge elections, it has been a shining example for others. But lately, many people inside and outside the country are worried. They say the strong parts of our democracy are getting weaker, not because of big fights or takeovers, but through small changes in laws and ways of doing things.
This is not like a loud storm that comes and goes. It’s more like a slow rain that soaks everything over time. As one wise person said, “Democracy dies in darkness—not with a bang, but with a whisper.” We need to look closely at what’s happening to understand and maybe fix it.
Looking Back: From the Emergency to Today
India’s path as a democracy has had its rough spots. Remember the Emergency in 1975 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi? That was a tough time. For about two years, from 1975 to 1977, normal rights were stopped. People who spoke against the government were put in jail, newspapers were told what to write, and freedoms were taken away. It was a clear break from what democracy should be.
But after that, India bounced back. Elections happened, and people chose new leaders. Today, things are different. It’s not one big event like the Emergency. Instead, it’s many small things adding up. Since 2014, when the current government came to power, some say institutions are still there but not as free as before. Critics feel like if you disagree, you’re called anti-national.
Maya Tudor, a teacher at Oxford University, explains it well. She says, “India’s democratic decline reveals how democracies die today: not through dramatic coups, but through legal harassment of opposition, media intimidation, and centralization of executive power.” It’s like using the law to quiet down voices that question.
Think about it like this: In the old days, the Emergency was like a sudden flood. Now, it’s like a river slowly eating away at the banks. We have elections, but are they fair? We have courts, but do they stand up strong? These questions are coming up more and more.
For example, in recent years, there have been cases where opposition leaders are targeted just before elections. This makes people wonder if everyone gets a fair chance. And with more power going to the center, states feel like they have less say. It’s not just politics; it’s affecting everyday life for many Indians.
The Strong Parts of Democracy Getting Weak
Democracy stands on some key things, like fair voting, free news, strong courts, and rights for people. In India, these are under stress. Let’s look at each one.
Fair Elections: Still Happening, But With Doubts
India is famous for its big elections. Millions vote, and it’s a festival of democracy. But groups watching from outside have concerns. Freedom House, a respected organization, changed India’s status from “Free” to “Partly Free” in 2021, and it stays that way in 2025 with a score of 63 out of 100. They say there are problems like biased election bodies, using government help to win votes, and going after opposition people during election time.
The V-Dem Institute calls India an “electoral autocracy.” That means we have elections, but the rules of real democracy are not as strong. In 2025, their report shows India in a “grey zone” for electoral democracy, ranking 100 out of 179 countries in liberal democracy
Take the 2024 national elections. Some say there were issues with voter lists, like sudden additions or deletions in places like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Opposition parties cried foul, saying it was to change results. Even the Election Commission warned about using AI for fake news in upcoming polls like in Bihar. Rahul Gandhi, a leader from Congress, has said, “An erosion of Indian democracy will be a disaster for US,” but really, it’s a disaster for us Indians first
It’s like playing a game where the rules keep changing for one side. People still vote, but they wonder if their vote counts the same.
News Freedom: Journalists Facing Hard Times
A free press is like the eyes and ears of the people. But in India, it’s getting harder for journalists. Our rank in the World Press Freedom Index went up a bit to 151 out of 180 in 2025 from 159 in 2024, but it’s still low. Reasons? Intimidation, legal cases, raids on news offices, and arrests using old laws like sedition.
Ravish Kumar, a well-known journalist, says, “Freedom of the press is not just about journalists. It’s about the people’s right to know.” Places like The Wire and Scroll have been hit hard. Government ads are given only to friendly media, making it tough for others to survive.
In 2025, there were gag orders on stories about big companies like Adani, forcing news to be removed. New rules let even local officers tell social media to take down posts. It’s like telling the messenger to shut up instead of fixing the problem.
Aakar Patel from Amnesty India puts it simply: “The government uses laws to silence critics. This is not how a democracy behaves.” Many journalists feel scared to report the truth, especially on sensitive topics like minorities or corruption.
Courts: Are They Truly Independent?
Courts are supposed to be fair and stand against wrong. In India, they still work, but some say they’re slow or scared to challenge the government. There’s talk about delays in big cases, like those on electoral bonds or internet cuts in places like Kashmir.
In 2025, reports highlight how promotions in lower courts might make judges favor the government. The International Commission of Jurists said judicial independence is tipping. Even the way judges are picked lacks clear rules.
Justice D.Y. Chandrachud once said, “A democracy without dissent is not a democracy.” But in cases like activists arrested under UAPA, courts sometimes take too long to give bail. It’s like the process itself becomes the punishment.
Aditi Prabhu from Boston University notes, “Modi’s regime shows how elected leaders can erode democracy from within.” When courts don’t speak up on key issues, people lose trust.
Rights of People: Dissent Seen as Danger
Every Indian should feel free to speak, protest, and live without fear. But activists, students, and leaders face charges under tough laws like UAPA. Peaceful protests are called anti-national.
Look at cases like Sudha Bharadwaj and Umar Khalid. They’ve been in jail for years under anti-terror laws, even as Amnesty calls it a crackdown on society. In 2025, there were book bans in Kashmir, visa denials for critics, and violence against minorities.
Human Rights Watch says the government censors online speech and harasses defenders. Arundhati Roy warns, “The damage to Indian democracy is not reversible.” It’s heartbreaking when people fighting for rights end up fighting for their own freedom.
What the World Says: Numbers and Facts
Here’s a quick look at how India stands:
| What It Measures | How India Does |
|---|---|
| Freedom House Rating | Partly Free (63/100) |
| World Press Freedom Index | 151/180 |
| V-Dem Classification | Electoral Autocracy/Grey Zone |
| Civil Liberties Score | Declining |
Sources: Freedom House, Reporters Without Borders, V-Dem Institute
These numbers show a slide. But remember, numbers are just a start. Behind them are real stories of people.
What Experts Think
Experts agree it’s a worry. Maya Tudor calls India a “hybrid regime—not fully democratic nor fully autocratic.” Aakar Patel says laws are used to quiet critics. Aditi Prabhu talks about erosion from inside.
Even on X (formerly Twitter), people discuss this. One user said, “Disruptive policies, communal agendas, erosion of democracy & moving towards fascism can never deliver growth.” Another noted, “When emotion trumps evidence, and noise drowns nuance, democracy mutates into mobocracy.”
FAQs: Common Questions Answered
What is democratic erosion?
It’s when a country’s democracy gets weaker over time. In India, it means things like less free press, weaker courts, and fewer rights for people. It’s not sudden; it’s slow, through laws and policies. For example, using anti-terror laws on protesters makes people scared to speak up.
Is India still a democracy?
Yes, but it’s changing. We have elections, but groups like V-Dem say it’s more like an electoral autocracy where power is too centered. Experts say it’s a mix—not full democracy anymore.
Why is press freedom dropping?
Journalists face threats, cases, and money problems. In 2025, economic pressure and gag orders made it hard. It’s about controlling what people know.
What can be done?
Strengthen institutions, protect rights, and encourage open talk. Citizens can vote wisely, support free media, and join peaceful protests.
How does this affect everyday Indians?
It means less voice, more fear, and unequal chances. Minorities and poor people suffer most, as seen in violence and arrests.
India’s democracy is our pride, but it’s facing tests. We must act before it’s too late. As citizens, let’s remember what makes us strong—unity, freedom, and fairness. Only then can we keep the legacy alive.