India ranks 24th out of 33 countries in the Future of Free Speech index, revealing a significant gap between abstract support for free speech and actual protection of controversial speech. The survey indicates that many democratic nations, including India, experience declining support for free speech, with notable discrepancies in public opinions on government criticism.
A recent global survey conducted by The Future of Free Speech ranks India 24th out of 33 countries regarding support for free speech. The report highlights that, despite strong abstract support for free speech, nations are increasingly reluctant to protect controversial speech. The survey, conducted in October 2024, revealed that since 2021, more countries have experienced a decline in free speech support, notably democratic nations including the United States and Japan.
Scandinavian nations dominated the rankings, with Norway and Denmark achieving the highest scores of 87.9 and 87.0, respectively. In contrast, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia showed improvements in their rankings but remained toward the bottom. India achieved a score of 62.6, placing it between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8). Interestingly, some authoritarian-leaning countries such as Hungary and Venezuela scored significantly higher, indicating a potential disconnect between governmental restrictions and societal views on free speech.
The survey findings for India indicate that while many citizens value the importance of speaking freely, support for the criticism of government policies is notably below the global average. For example, 37% of Indian respondents believed that governments should prevent criticism of their policies, the highest percentage among surveyed countries. Comparatively, only 5% of respondents in the UK and 3% in Denmark supported this notion.
Typically, nations that advocate free speech witness more freedom of expression. However, India deviates from this pattern. The report emphasizes significant discrepancies in cases like India, Hungary, and Venezuela, where public support for free speech does not align with actual protections. These cases reflect a trend of democratic backsliding in previously free societies.
When asked about improvements in their ability to discuss political issues freely, Indians reported perceived progress; however, observers suggest that the free speech situation in India may have worsened. Jacob Mchangama, Executive Director of The Future of Free Speech, commented on the necessity of a culture that fosters open debate and tolerance for dissent, warning that diminished commitment to free speech undermines legal protections, making them ineffective without public support.
The survey by The Future of Free Speech portrays a concerning picture for India, ranking it 24th among 33 countries in terms of free speech support. The findings indicate a paradox where the populace supports free speech in theory, yet struggles with tolerance for criticism of government policies. This disconnect signifies a troubling trend of democratic regression and highlights the vital need for a cultural commitment to uphold free expression and active debate.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
